Etherington strike spoils Mancini’s day

Stoke 1, Manchester City 1
STOKE midfielder Matthew Etherington spoiled Roberto Mancini’s birthday celebrations with a stoppage–time equaliser against Manchester City at the Britannia Stadium.

Mancini, who turned 46 on Saturday, claimed his side, who went ahead through Micah Richards in the 81st minute, deserved to win.

Ricardo Fuller should have opened the scoring for Stoke in the 16th minute after a neat–one two with Kenwyne Jones, but failed to test goalkeeper Joe Hart.

Robert Huth then hoisted a shot over the crossbar from close range and Jones saw his effort cleared off the line by James Milner.

Stoke were then left stunned with nine minutes to go when Richards opened the scoring with a marvellous effort. He picked up a ball from Milner, sold a dummy to Danny Collins before rifling a shot into the corner.

Stoke’s equaliser was also well crafted with Etherington finding the corner with his effort after a clever back heel from substitute Tuncay Sanli.