An absolute gutting result this afternoon after so much promise in from of over 21K fans and an afternoon that started for me in an absolutely rammed Tiger Leisure at about 2pm as the discount merch' shoppers queued in 2 lines from the counter to the back of the shop. As it happens I have all my buys for the season and will no doubt visit again at the end of the season when the available stock get's marked up in a fire sale to make way for next seasons new branding and hope we are ditching the olive green couching gear that has Walters stench all over it and pick up a few extra bits. First team shirts for a tenner that sort of thing.

Into the ground and foddered up on fried chicken and chips with spice sat watching what I thought was a good warm up session with Coyle looking happier and refreshed after his injury lay off and pleased to see him on the bench but did wonder at the lack of new signings not starting apart from Matazo making his debut no doubt secured after a very decent show as sub against our 3 - 0 dismantling of Sheffield a week ago to the day.

First game of the month and in the absence of our resident DJ Eddie Richards who pipes us towards kick off which was made up for a loud and proud rendition of the Elvis classic we all know and sing so well we kicked off with gusto when the ref finally blew the start whistle on a chilly but manageable afternoon. The earlier wonderment of sticking with a familiar line up soon faded away as the temperament and intent of our application was evident from the off which was slightly let down by the pitch which, despite being less than a season old and costing a Million quid or so, looked link a threadbare mat from down the centre right upto the West Stand touchline. I couldn't see to the far side of the park so maybe East Stand fans could elaborate on the condition of their side?

I'll really start by, and probably unagreeable to many, with the view that I thought it was a great game. Very entertaining and I can't fault a single player between 3 and 5pm. An important mention is the Kidnapping that has allegedly happened to one of the city squad. Would the player wearing the number 44 shirt please let is know who you are and what have you done with Kamara.

I'm his biggest critic but like form, opinions are there to be changed and this afternoon he certainly gave cause to change many negative view into one of hope for a player emerging out of a cocoon into a ...Well let's say a moth at this stage. He went passed more defenders with skill and pace in the first half than he has since he put his first black and amber strip on and got a decent clean shot off. Very instrumental in some solid attacks and one such one introduced an amazing first goal for a Matazo who hammered that ball in for a Macca assist who also had a very impressive performance throughout.

The first 40 minutes was fueled by pure testosterone and brazen confidence in what can only be credited to Ruben Sellers who has changed our mindset from moribund to one of belief and ambition. We are now dominant in midfield with slater having come out of his Walter induced coma and was running rampant all game, many a run from box to box and he was scrapping for everything every minute of the game. But the lack of well made but missed chances was always going to bolster Stoke's finger tip hold on getting a leveler and in true to style, our misses became their fortune as they grew into the latter part of the first 45 when Hammady latched onto a lose ball from their third throw in we failed to deal with and beat our defence in one of several goal mouth scrambles on 43 minutes. City reeling from a goal against the run of play and The Potters buoyed from a hard fought reply as 22 players left the field at half time 1 - 1 with us all to do again.

Second half, newly appointed Manager Robins took advantage of his Stoke's late resurgence and came back out as he left off in the first half, more pressing as well as getting more of a foothold on the game but although City still dominated, it was to a lesser degree and with lesser potency. At about 60 minutes Ruben made a pro active triple sub to try and pick up the pace taking off Pedro who played like a beast for 56 minutes and battled his way into the dirt along with what I thought was a very smart Manouver in bringing on Coyle and Barry.

In the first half, Drameh and Kamara had a great right flank understanding and that relationship could be the reason Kamara has such a great game, but with the subs, both were replaced with a complete new right sided bit of kit. Coyle and Barry as the fresh legged double act that did seem to start to gel but annoyingly and once again through a goal mouth scramble from a set piece just 8 minutes later, in the shape of a corner it was Moran's turn to capitalise on the mayhem of attempted clearances and frustratingly gave them the lead. 2 - 1 to Stoke on 74 minutes just after the introduction of Crooks for Matazo.

City still not disgracing themselves fought on with as much gusto and appliance as they could still managed to bring brilliant acrobatic saves from Johansson in the Potters goal who was largely responsible for City not walking away with all three points and at least as many goals. In a last throw of the dice a very impressive and capable Gelgardt who rated immensely for all of his very industrious 83 minutes was evidently narked about something swapped places with the big bustling Amrabat who was held, dragged, pulled and battered from the second he came on and was blatantly and unceremoniously hauled off the ball by Stevens at LB in what should have been a straight red IMO. Amrabat was well past his last man with their defence scrambling back and more than a good shout for a deserved equaliser.

That about sums it up for me. A great performance, huge improvement in style and forward thinking football, Pandur far quicker in his distribution and chances went begging all but for a great display by new Keeper Johansson who easily paid off his £250K fee today BUT, cannot finish without mentioning my Man of the Match.

Matt. Jacob. Unless anyone can correct me, I saw a 100% faultless performance this afternoon. Assured, confident, strong, brave and as calm as you like. Stayed under the radar all game and went about his job with total professionalism. IMO, the LB position is not only his but as far as I'm concerned he can put a picket fence around that part of the field, build a shed, dig a pond, put Koi Carp in it, set a deck chair up and call it home.

Losing. Disappointing of course.
Game Day Experience. Very much entertained.
Overall. Definitely on the up."