But Albion were behind within moments of the restart, with substitutes Peter Skapetis and Adam Thomas combining to give Stoke the lead, as the latter slotted home past Smith.The Potters had further chances to double their advantage when Jack Nardiello headed wide from Charlie Ward’s free-kick before another close-range strike cannoned off the crossbar.
Ireland’s side struck next though, as Cole’s free-kick appeared to take a deflection amidst a congested penalty box to bring parity to the scoreline.
Cameron Wiltshire and Jason Davis were brought on 12 minutes into the half to add fresh impetus to Albion’s attacking play and the latter’s pace troubled the Stoke defence.
The quick-footed forward nearly set up for Cole for his second only for his effort to go wide of the post.
Seagulls shot-stopper Smith remained on his toes during the close stages, as he tipped away Ben Barber’s dangerous ball into the box.
Stoke nearly stole victory in stoppage time when George Waring attempted to bundle the ball into the net, but Smith stood firm to ensure both sides shared the spoils.
ALBION: Smith (GK); Barry, Dallison, Pappoe, Touray; Deen (Wiltshire 57), Collar, Starkey (Davis 57); Muitt, Hutchinson, Cole.
SUBS NOT USED: King, Barclay, Pring, Barnett.
Original article
Ireland’s side struck next though, as Cole’s free-kick appeared to take a deflection amidst a congested penalty box to bring parity to the scoreline.
Cameron Wiltshire and Jason Davis were brought on 12 minutes into the half to add fresh impetus to Albion’s attacking play and the latter’s pace troubled the Stoke defence.
The quick-footed forward nearly set up for Cole for his second only for his effort to go wide of the post.
Seagulls shot-stopper Smith remained on his toes during the close stages, as he tipped away Ben Barber’s dangerous ball into the box.
Stoke nearly stole victory in stoppage time when George Waring attempted to bundle the ball into the net, but Smith stood firm to ensure both sides shared the spoils.
ALBION: Smith (GK); Barry, Dallison, Pappoe, Touray; Deen (Wiltshire 57), Collar, Starkey (Davis 57); Muitt, Hutchinson, Cole.
SUBS NOT USED: King, Barclay, Pring, Barnett.
Original article