Odemwingie's goal keeps Stoke on track

Osaze Odemwingie

Peter Osaze Odemwingie celebrates his vital goal for Stoke City. AFP photo

Peter Odemwingie scored for the third game running as Stoke City continued their impressive form with a 1-0 win over Hull City in the Premier League on Saturday.

The Nigeria international struck in the 62nd minute at the Britannia Stadium, seizing on a loose pass from Hull wing-back Ahmed Elmohamady before drilling home from the edge of the box.

It was Stoke’s third successive win, taking Mark Hughes’s side to the 40-point mark synonymous with safety from relegation and leaving FA Cup semi-finalists Hull seven points above the bottom three in 14th place.

Peter Osaze Odemwingie celebrates his vital goal for Stoke City. AFP photo
Peter Osaze Odemwingie celebrates his vital goal for Stoke City. AFP photo

Hull manager Steve Bruce fielded Steve Harper in goal after Allan McGregor damaged his kidneys in the 2-1 mid-week defeat at West Ham United, but opposite number Asmir Begovic was the first goalkeeper to be called into action.

Hull striker Shane Long latched onto a long ball and teed up Tom Huddlestone, whose 25-yard drive obliged Begovic to plunge to his right and touch the ball around the post for a corner.

The visitors continued to press and in the 13th minute Liam Rosenior squandered a good chance to open the scoring, heading the ball over a gaping goal from Long’s right-wing cross.

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It was not until shortly before half-time that Stoke first threatened, but Marko Arnautovic’s tame low shot was comfortably saved by Harper.

Harper had to save from Odemwingie early in the second half, before Begovic readjusted brilliantly to block a deflected effort from David Meyler at the other end, with Nikica Jelavic putting the rebound wide.

Hull appeared to be taking control, but they had a hand in their own downfall as Stoke made the breakthrough with just under half-an-hour to play.

Elmohamady’s ambitious crossfield pass went straight to Odemwingie, who tore through the Hull defence before beating Harper with a low shot.

Odemwingie threatened to add a second with an overhead kick that flew wide, while Harper had to parry from Stephen Ireland.

Hull’s best chance of an equaliser fell to Jelavic with 12 minutes remaining, but he missed his kick from Meyler’s knock-down.

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