POWELL NICKS IT AS CITY DIG DEEP

O’Neill’s delight at rearguard display

- Neil Goulding

MICHAEL O’Neill hailed his Stoke side’s heroic defensive display following their victory over Blackburn.

Nick Powell’s seventh-minute header edged the home side in front before Stoke defended valiantly to secure the points.

“It was a very hard-earned win against a good team,” said O’Neill. “Blackburn provide a stiff challenge.

“We started the game well and got a great goal, but we made life difficult at times by not taking care of the ball well enough.

“They handled the ball better and it was hard to get control of the game.

“We defended brilliantly as a team and did not give many chances away. Joe Bursik only had to make one big save.

“In terms of spirit and determination to hold on and to win the game, we couldn’t ask for more.”