Stoke lead Bournemouth at break

Stoke 1, Bournemouth 0 (half-time)

A twice-taken Chris Iwelumo penalty gave Stoke the lead in the FA Cup fourth-round tie in injury time.

Bournemouth had been reduced to 10 men when goalkeeper Chris Tardif was sent off for bringing down Brynjar Gunnarsson, and referee Mike Ryan insisted the spot-kick be take a second time after home players had encroached into the box.

Bournemouth brought back Carl Fletcher, Danny Thomas and James Hayter who were rested in the midweek LDV defeat by Bristol City.

The Third Division side withstood the ferocity and pace of Stoke’s opening spell and almost took the lead after eight minutes when Gareth O’Connor’s pass found Wade Elliott, who cut in and from the edge of the box lashed a low drive against Steve Banks’ far post.

Stoke, who were having plenty of success down the left through Peter Hoekstra, saw the winger fire over a cross and only a timely intervention from Jason Tindall swept the ball off the toes of Iwelumo.

But when the Cherries did attack, it had more purpose. Hayter twice saw shots blocked and then fired another effort across goal and wide.

Stoke responded with a cross from Bjarni Gudjonsson -under no pressure on the right – that was met by James O’Connor’s head, flashing narrowly wide.

As the half progressed, Stoke’s drive petered out and Bournemouth showed an impressive desire to attack, with Elliott a constant threat.

Thomas, on the left, had pace and control and the confidence to take on defenders while Brian Stock was an industrious ball-winner and distributor.

Stoke’s frustration at not being able to find a way through Bournemouth’s defence was underlined by Iwelumo’s wild drive from 30 yards that sailed hopelessly into the jeering visiting fans.

Those fans had spent some time taunting Stoke boss Tony Pulis, who used to be boss at Dean Court.

Stoke did find a way down the left, but after a neat one-two with Gunnarsson, Gudjonsson tried an ambitious angled chip that finished on the roof of the net.

Tardif saved superbly when Chris Greenacre was put clear, but then disaster struck in first half injury time, Stoke were awarded a penalty when Tardif brought down Gunnarsson as the midfielder took the ball round the keeper, who was shown the red card.

Gareth Stewart came on in goal, Thomas being sacrificed. But there was more drama when Iwelumo stepped up to blast in the penalty, only for referee Ryan to order a re-take because Stoke players had encroached into the box.

Iwelumo kept his nerve and drilled the second kick low past Stewart’s left hand.