The rain was not enough to put a dampener on proceedings in the Potters’ third friendly outing of the pre-season, this time against League 2 opposition in the shape of Cheshire neighbours, Macclesfield Town.
Tony Pulis rested captain, Danny Higginbotham, Darel Russell and Ricardo Fuller, which allowed former Silkman, Jon Parkin to line up against his old club alongside Mama Sidibe. But it was Macc Town who took the lead after nine minutes when Carl Regan put the home side in front. Rory Delap was forced into leaving the pitch early on 30 minutes due to exhaustion and Jon Parkin gave the Potters some of their dignity back on 39 minutes when a good cross from Peter Sweeney gave the Beast the chance to head the ball into the back of the net.
The second half saw Stoke start to dominate more and Parkin could have had a second early on but the ball was palmed past the post by the keeper. Several other chances came Parkin’s way but he could not capitalise and the Potters were forced to share the spoils with the Silkmen.
Stoke City: Simonsen, Hoefkens (Garrett 53), Wilkinson, Hill, Dickinson, Delap (Buxton 28 (Shotton 76)), Eustace, Pulis, Sweeney (Sidibe 53), Parkin, Pericard (Rooney 70)
Subs not used: Ryan, Hazley
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