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Published: Thursday 04 Sep 2008
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Higgy makes goal-scoring return in reserve defeat against Villa

By James Knowles
STOKE City’s new signing Danny Higginbotham hit the goal-scoring trail in last night’s 2-1 reserve-team defeat by Aston Villa – and revealed his delight at being back at the Britannia Stadium.

Defender Higginbotham, who rejoined the Potters on Monday after a year at Sunderland, levelled matters in the second half – converting Jimmy Phillips’s free-kick – after Nathan Delfouneso had given Villa the lead in the opening 45 minutes.

But the defender’s scoring return proved to be in vain as the visitors grabbed the points in the final five minutes through Isaiah Osbourne’s excellent volley.

The Potters’s evening ended on a sour note as Danny Pugh was sent off in injury-time for appearing to kick substitute Marc Albrighton.

Despite the result, Higginbotham was pleased to be back in the red and white of Stoke.

“It’s great to be back. I know what it’s all about here and I love it,” said the 29-year-old.

“I’m just glad I’ve got the first 90 minutes under my belt. It’s always a bonus to get a goal, but it was a decent cross which made it.”

Richard Cresswell takes control of the ball while Aston Villa's Steve Sidwell looks on

Both sides fielded strong line-ups – less than a fortnight after City chalked up their first victory back in the top flight by beating Martin O’Neill’s men 3-2 at the Britannia Stadium.

The home side included goalkeeper Steve Simonsen, Andy Wilkinson, Richard Cresswell and Pugh, while Villa’s second string saw the likes of Steve Sidwell, Carlos Cuellar and Marlon Harewood in their side.

Higginbotham, who was captain for the night, started solidly in defence – and he nearly broke the deadlock in the 10th minute.

An inswinging Pugh free-kick fell to the former Sunderland man, who acrobatically attempted to steer the ball home, but keeper Elliot Parish did well to make the save.

Villa midfielder Sidwell, came close to heading his side in front, but his effort flew just over Simonsen’s crossbar.

Danny Pugh on the ball

On the half-hour, the visitors took the lead.

Pugh allowed Wayne Routledge to venture down the right wing and put in a low, inviting cross, which Delfouneso stroked home.

A cold Potteries evening sprung to life after half-time.

Routledge came close to doubling Villa’s lead, but it was Stoke who quickly drew level.
A deep Phillips free-kick, towards the back post, found Higginbotham, who headed home an equaliser.

A solid, determined Stoke performance was close to gaining the point it deserved in the first Barclays Premier Reserve League South fixture of the season, but Villa had different ideas.

A strong run from former Port Vale loanee Chris Herd was only thwarted by a last-ditch tackle from Higginbotham.

However, with just five minutes remaining, Villa scored the winner.

Delfouneso put pressure on Lewis Buxton, whose header dropped invitingly for Osbourne to fire home an excellent finish from 15 yards to seal the points for the visitors.

The action didn’t finish there, and in stoppage time, left-back Pugh appeared to kick Albrighton and, after deliberation with his assistant, was sent off by the referee.

Stoke City: Simonsen, Wilkinson, Pugh, Wedderburn, Buxton, Higginbotham, J Phillips, Grocott, Pericard, Cresswell, de Laet. Subs: Moult, Harrison, McDonald, Vaules, Alexander.

Aston Villa: Parish, Herd, Baker, Sidwell, Cuellar, Knight, Routledge (Stieber 79), Osbourne, Harewood, Delfouneso, Bannan (Albrighton, 67). Subs not used: Dau, Lichaj, Clark.

Attendance: 675.