Nantwich Town v Stoke City

Nantwich Town 1
Stoke City 2 (Moult, 27, 37)
Attendance: 690

A BRACE from Louis Moult was enough to ensure Stoke City's pre-season preparations kicked off in perfect fashion at the Weaver Stadium on Thursday evening.

The young striker was in fine form as he helped the Potters race into a first half two goal lead as he firstly fired the ball into the bottom corner from 15-yards after Matthew Lund teed him up, before exquisitely turning Ben Marshall's centre into the back of the net shortly before the interval.

The hosts, managed by former Crewe Alexandra star Kevin Street, managed to grab a late consolation in stoppage time when Jake Sedgemore curled home a superb free-kick from 30-yards beyond the outstretched arm of Danzelle St. Louis-Hamilton.

In all honesty the Potters lead should have been greater as both Marshall and Moult squandered further opportunities to extend their advantage during an impressive opening 45 minutes.

Debutant Florent Cuvelier, who arrived at the Britannia Stadium from Portsmouth earlier this month, did his hopes of breaking into the first team squad no harm whatsoever as he continued to impress along with Matthew Lund in the heart of midfield.

The second period became somewhat more lethargic as both sides began to take their foot of the gas, allowing each of the two teams to enjoy some possession.

Several long range efforts stung the fingertips of St. Louis-Hamilton, whilst Marshall and Lund both blazed over the bar from just outside of the penalty area.

A flurry of substitutions disrupted proceedings further as the two managers introduced fresh faces in a bid to give the majority of players some vital playing time.

The hosts pushed forward in search of a late goal, and one evntually came with the last touch of the game as Sedgemore superbly fired home a set-piece after Dickinson gave away a foul.

Speaking following the game, Assistant Manager Dave Kemp said: "I thought the lads did superbly well, especially in the first half.

"They looked fit and very up for it, and we deservedly led 2-0 at half-time. Maybe they took their foot of the gas a little bit in the second half, but that can only be expected at this stage of pre-season.

He added: "The young lads, especially Louis and Matty [Lund] did very well. I was also impressed with Florent Cuvelier. He showed some decent touches and he put himself about a bit too."