Lucky Charm Walters

A superb hat trick from Johnathan Walters made sure all 3 points went to the mighty potter’s on a blustery day at the Britannia Stadium.

It was the Irishman’s first hat trick for seven years, and his and Stoke’s first in the premier league to make sure that QPR’S miserable away form continued.

Stoke started the game brightly and were looking good instantly, so it was no surprise to watch Stoke take the lead after 20 minutes. former Potter, now QPR man Karl Henry tried to bring the ball down with his chest but the ball ran away from him it found Stoke midfielder Steven Ireland who flicked the ball on for Walters who pounced home to give the Potters the lead.

Stoke were dominant and it didn’t take long for the Steven Ireland, Johnathan Walters combination to strike again. 33 minutes in, a great cross from Steven Ireland across the QPR defence finds Walters who fires it home to make it 2-0.

Stoke’s two goal advantage lasted less than 2 minutes. A cross from Joey Barton found Charlie Austin who’s shot was parried by Potters keeper Asmir Begovic and Niko Kranjcar as their to pounce for the visitors to pull one back.

In the second half QPR came out fighting and had a few chances but nothing to frighten the hosts,as they looked for an equaliser. And they almost got it on 77 minutes when a thunderous free kick hit the underside of the bar and was scrambled away by stoke who maintained their lead. Only just though.

The Pressure from QPR continued but it was Stoke who wrapped up the points in stoppage time. A Stoke free kick from the half way line only finds QPR man, Joey Barton but his clearance doesn’t go far, it finds Walters, who heads it back of the net to seal his perfect hat trick left foot, right foot and head and all 3 points for the mighty Potters.

Stoke City now up to 9th in the premier league and QPR are still searching for their 1st point away from home.

A great day for Walters and a great day for Stoke.