Soccer
Stoke see off Oldham to book place in second round of Carabao Cup
An unlucky own goal from Ollie Norburn and a late strike from Robert Bozenik gave Stoke a 2-0 win over Oldham in the Carabao Cup first round.
The Championship side rode their luck at times against their League Two visitors at the bet365 Stadium but deservedly emerged victorious thanks to Norburn’s deflection from Sorba Thomas in the 48th minute and Bozenik’s late effort.
It was Stoke’s first home win over Oldham for nearly 28 years, their last having come on August 29, 1998.
However, it could have been a different outcome if Potters keeper Viktor Johansson had not produced a fine double save to thwart the Latics when the game was goalless.
The Stoke skipper made an excellent block from Mike Fondop’s strike at the back post in the 10th minute, before quickly getting to his feet to deny the striker again, this time from the rebound.
Three minutes later Thomas had a shot blocked by Matthew Hudson as the hosts sprung into life, before the keeper pulled off an even better save from Sam Gallagher’s sweet strike.
Defender Luke Graham headed wide as the hosts pressed, while Gallagher rifled and headed over with two decent chances.
Norburn deflected in to give Stoke a welcome cushion in front of a crowd of 10,157 and Bozenik shot straight at Hudson.
However, the Slovakian striker made no mistake second time around, finishing smartly to secure victory with eight minutes remaining.
