Lewis Baker came off the bench to grab the only goal of the game as Stoke claimed a 1-0 victory against Coventry.
The Sky Blues made a fast start, with summer signing Jack Rudoni and striker Ellis Simms linking up nicely to force an opening, but the former was thwarted as he looked to pull the trigger inside the box.
Rudoni was at it again inside the first 10 minutes when his run through the heart of the Potters’ defence saw him create space for a shot, but his right-footed effort trickled past goalkeeper Viktor Johansson’s left-hand post.
Stoke responded well and a Million Manhoef corner dropped to Lynden Gooch on the edge of the box but he could not find away through a packed penalty area.
Gooch turned provider moments later when his searching cross from the left found the head of Junior Tchamadeu at the back post, but his reaching effort went wide.
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Substitute Lewis Baker came off the bench to score a late winner for Stoke in their first game of the Championship season against Coventry.
Another headed effort for the home side came and went. A ball into the box from Tchamadeu was directed goalwards by Emre Tezgel but a flying save from Coventry goalkeeper Oliver Dovin kept the scores level.
Rudoni continued to be a thorn in the side of the Stoke defence as his jinking runs, tidy footwork and directness carved open the home side on numerous occasions, albeit to no avail.
The home side took the lead in the 78th minute after some lovely counter-attacking football.
A sweeping move from right to left saw Baker send the ball out to Manhoef. The Dutchman played a sumptuous reverse pass into the feet of Baker who slid his effort through the legs of the advancing Dovin.
The managers
Stoke’s Steven Schumacher:
To follow…
Coventry’s Mark Robins:
To follow…
