Fuller helps Stoke survive FA Cup scare
STOKE-ON-TRENT, England (CMC) — Jamaican striker Ricardo Fuller scored yesterday to help Stoke City avoid embarrassment against Conference side York and clinch a spot in the next round of the FA Cup.
The 31-year-old was on target in the 25th minute as the hosts came from behind to beat the non-league minnows 3-1 in the third round at the Britannia Stadium.
York, currently third in the Blue Square Premier, sent shockwaves through the Premiership side when Neil Barrett beat goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen with a powerful header, following a free kick from the left in the 22nd minute.
The goal seemed to spring Stoke to life and they responded by stamping their authority. A typically dangerous Rory Delap throw left the York defence confused and resulted in Daniel Parslow punching the ball into his own nets to draw Stoke level in the 24th minute.
One minute later, Fuller was on target to give Stoke the precious lead as he headed home centre-back Leon Cort’s pass, following another threatening Delap throw.
Stoke led 2-1 at the break and they remained in control afterward, with Fuller coming extremely close to grabbing his second when he just failed to get on the end of Liam Lawrence’s cross.
The third and decisive goal arrived in the 58th minute, however, when Matthew Etherington stunned the York defence with a brilliant free kick.