Porter brace wins season opener

• Potters run out 2-1 winners over Birmingham
• Captain’s first half double enough to clinch win
• City could have easily won by far greater margin

Stoke City’s U23s kicked off the Premier League 2 season with a 2-1 victory over Division Two new boys Birmingham City.

A first half brace from captain Adam Porter was enough to win the contest, however the Potters could have very easily won by a far greater margin.

Kevin Russell’s side dominated for long spells at the bet365 Stadium, creating a hatful of chances that they will be disappointed not to have taken.

The Potters were on the front foot from the off and almost took the lead inside 60 seconds, however D’Margio Wright-Phillips finished off a fine flowing move by heading narrowly off wide

Republic of Ireland youth international David Okagbue then headed a yard off target from Porter’s deep corner, before Wright-Phillips fired over from just outside the box.

It was one-way traffic at the bet365 and City duly scored the goal they deserved on 16 minutes. After capitalising on a defensive error, Porter had two bites of the cherry, coolly firing his second effort into the back of the net.

The Potters went about quickly adding to their lead as Douglas Taylor and Tom Sparrow had long range efforts, before the former couldn’t quite apply a strong enough touch to finish off Wright-Phillips’ right-wing cross.

Russell’s men managed to double their advantage with 34 minutes on the clock and what a goal it was. Adam Porter curled a 25-yard effort in off the post, leaving the ‘keeper with no chance.

City could quite easily have added to their tally before the break as Sparrow and Wright-Phillips both rounded the ‘keeper but fires wide from acute angles, while the latter drilled a further effort narrowly wide.

Minutes into the second half, the home side almost made it three when a quick break resulted in Patrick Jarrett clipping the crossbar with a sublime 20-yard effort.

On the hour mark, Sparrow collected a pass from Wright-Phillips before hitting a low drive that the ‘keeper claimed on his goalline.

The Blues offered little on their debut at Premier League 2 level, with Remi Walker having their best chance in the 73th minute as his goalbound effort was deflected just over.

The visitors, however, managed to set up a grandstand finish when a quick break resulted in Keke Simmonds firing home from close range.