CITY LOSE TO AZ ALKMAAR

STOKE City completed their pre-season fixture programme with a 1-0 loss at home to two-time Eredivisie champions AZ Alkmaar.

A single goal from Republic of Ireland international Troy Parrott minutes into the second half proved the difference at the bet365 Stadium.

Both sides were later reduced to 10 men when Jordan Thompson and Jordy Clasie were dismissed by referee Andrew Kitchen following an altercation.

Steven Schumacher’s side will now spend the next few days preparing for the start of the 24/25 Championship season at home to Coventry City on Saturday, August 10.

In a fairly even contest, AZ fashioned the first shot on target when a delivery from a corner found Clasie 25 yards from goal and the former Southampton midfielder struck a volley which Viktor Johansson comfortably claimed on his goalline.

City were forced into a change on the half hour mark when midweek signing Sam Gallagher was replaced by former Blackburn Rovers teammate Niall Ennis.

AZ had a couple of chances to break the deadlock before half-time, however Peer Koopmeiners fired wide from the edge of the area while Ibrahim Sadiq raced in behind the home defence and hit a right-footed shot past the far post.

The Potters created what turned out to be the final chance of the first 45 when Josh Laurent played in Million Manhoef and the Dutchman’s low drive was saved by Jeroen Zoet.

Within 120 seconds of the restart, the visitors forged ahead as Parrott latched onto a throughball before chipping an effort over Johansson and seeing the ball clip the underside of the crossbar and cross the line.

Both sides were reduced to 10 men minutes later when the referee brandished red cards to Thompson and Clasie following an altercation.

As the half continued, Sven Mijnans fired over when one-on-one with Johanson before Lynden Gooch went close after weaving his way into the box and unleashing a shot.

Chances continued to be created at either end as Johansson denied Denso Kasius at his near post while Manhoef saw a goalbound chance headed off the line.

Substitute Mehdi Léris almost levelled for the Potters in the dying embers when he met Gooch’s whipped delivery from the left, however the Algerian diverted his headed attempt inches over the bar.

Stoke City: Johansson, Tchamadeu (Lowe 87’), Wilmot (Anderson 87’), Gibson (Dixon 72’), Bocat (Léris 72’), Thompson, Burger (Sidibe 79’), Laurent (Baker 79’), Gooch, Gallagher (Ennis 30’), Manhoef (Tezgel 79’).

Subs: Bonham, Fielding.