Dale Eve and his Stoke City Under 19 teammates made it through to the final of the Altstatten International Tournament after overcoming Belgian outfit Club Brugge 1-0 in today’s Semi-Final.
James Alabi’s penalty 10 minutes from time was enough for Stoke City to progress and set up a tie against Atlectic Paranaense from Brazil.
Stoke City’s triumph over Brugge was richly deserved after Stoke City dominated from start to finish and restricted the opposition to a solitary strike on target.
Tomi Adeloye and Eddy Lecygne both had early opportunities which they blazed over when well placed, before City felt they were deserving of a penalty when forward George Waring seemed to be bundled to the floor inside the area.
Playing 25 minutes each way, Glyn Hodges’ side continued to apply the pressure in the search of an opener and it duly arrived from the boot of Alabi.
Adeloye was kicked inside the area as he tussled for the ball to leave the referee with no option but to point to the spot and Alabi greatly picked up the ball and fired low and hard down the middle.
Brugge tried to rally in the hope of finding an equaliser but City expertly saw out the remainder of the game to reach the Final.
