United exited the Carabao Cup after Freddie Anderson and Emre Tezgel netted in the second-half for the Potters.
Young defender, Freddie Anderson, nodded home at the far post at the start of the second-half, before substitute Emre Tezgel’s goal confirmed the Championship outfit’s place in the second round.
The first big chance of the contest came on five minutes for the visitors. Lewis Koumas’ lofted delivery from the left forced Harry Lewis into parrying away the threat.
Stoke continued to apply pressure in the following minutes, but the Blues’ backline stood firm.
On 13 minutes, United had their first effort on goal. Aaron Hayden’s throw-in picked out Archie Davies, before the right-sided defender cut inside and hammered a left-footed attempt over, prior to seeing another shot go wide seconds later.
Harrison Neal forced the Potters’ shot-stopper Frank Fielding into a stop soon after as the hosts looked to take control, whilst Harry Lewis denied Lewis Koumas on the break at the opposite end.
Stoke looked to catch their opponents out on 24 minutes, taking a quick free-kick into the path of forward Niall Ennis, but Lewis was alert to make the required stop.
Sol Sidibe struck the crossbar on 30 minutes as the visitors grew back into the game.
On 38 minutes, Koumas looked to break the deadlock after driving inside and unleashing a powerful effort, which ultimately flew off target.
Charlie Wyke had United’s best chance of the game on 43 minutes. Neal collected the ball after Davies’ corner was cleared, before finding the skipper, who stabbed wide from close range.
HALF-TIME: United 0-0 Stoke City
Archie Davies started the second-half as strong as he ended the first, winning a free-kick just outside the Potters’ box seconds after the restart. The resulting set piece was then claimed by Fielding in the Stoke goal.
Freddie Anderson opened the scoring moments later, rising highest to meet a free-kick at the back post to the delight of the travelling supporters.
Million Manhoef came extremely close to doubling their lead on 56 minutes after chopping inside and arrowing an effort towards goal, which clipped the bar to the relief of Lewis and his teammates.
Moments after entering the action, Ben Williams delivered a corner which found Mellish, whose two attempts in quick succession were cleared - United were getting closer to the equaliser!
The visitors had a fine chance to extend their advantage on 74 minutes following some neat build-up play, which saw Daniel Johnson fire a low ball across the goalmouth to three on-running teammates, but nobody was able to connect.
Emre Tezgel - who entered the game minutes earlier - doubled Stoke’s lead as we entered the final ten minutes. His shot clipped Lewis on its way over and Hayden was unable to clear before it rolled over the line.
Following this, Stoke took full control of the tie and United were unable to find a way back, seeing them exit this season’s Carabao Cup in the first round.
FULL-TIME: United 0-2 Stoke City
Teams:
United - Lewis, Davies (60’ Williams), Thomas, Hayden, Wyke © (72’ Butterworth), Adu-Adjei (60’ Armstrong), Vela, Neal, Ellis, Mellish, Barclay (83’ Lavelle)
Unused subs - Breeze, Kelly, Allan, Hetherington
Stoke City - Fielding, Burger (66’ Thompson), Baker, Koumas (77’ Bocat), Johnson, Ennis (77’ Tezgel), Wilmot ©, Sidibe (77’ Laurent), Dixon, Manhoef (66’ Gooch), Anderson
Unused subs - Johansson, Tchamadeu, Gibson, Lowe
Match officials:
Referee - Ben Toner
Assistant Referee - Matthew Sowerby
Assistant Referee - Simon Clayton
Fourth Official - Stuart Morland
Attendance:
4,441 (894 away)
