Kitson nets precious win for Stoke

Dave Kitson underlined Stoke’s Premier League credentials and moved a step closer to silencing the doubters by netting the only goal Saturday in a 1-0 win over Sunderland, who lost for the third straight time at the Britannia Stadium.

Steve Bruce’s visitors had come into the game buoyed by two wins in their opening three games for a promising start to the new campaign.

But they were up against a Stoke side which lost only four league matches at home last season to stay up comfortably despite poor away form.

Moreover, Tony Pulis’ side contained five former Sunderland players now looking to shine for the Potters.

And with throw-in maestro Rory Delap starting his 350th league game for the hosts Stoke set about their task with gusto.

Sunderland recalled Scottish keeper Craig Gordon for the first time since April in place of the injured Martin Fulop.

But he was powerless to prevent Kitson opening the scoring two minutes before the break with a poacher’s strike from close range.

Liam Lawrewnce, who terrorised the Sunderland defence throughout with numerous probing runs, sent over a freekick which Kenwyne Jones only half cleared and Kitson was alert to fire home.

Kitson joined Stoke in July last year from relegated Reading but failed to score in 16 games and he returned on loan to his former side, bemoaning having made the “wrong move”.

But this season he is in Stoke’s plans once again and having scored in the midweek League Cup win over Orient he now appears to have found his form.

Stoke sent on new German signing from Middlesbrough Robert Huth seven minutes from the end in place of the tiring Kitson, who withdrew, job done and they held on for their second win of the season to move a point clear of the Black Cats.