Premier League: Norwich 1 Stoke 1

A late goal from Kenwyne Jones helped Stoke City gain a valuable away point from a 1-1 draw with Norwich City on Sunday.

Defender Richie De Laet had scored the first goal for Norwich at Carrow Road since their return to the top flight, and although they were reduced to 10 men in the second half after Leon Barnett received a straight red card it looked as though they hold on to claim victory.

But Jones’ intervention in the third minute of injury time ensured Stoke would not leave Carrow Road empty handed and left the Canaries searching for their first win of the season.

Within eight minutes of the first whistle the home support were out of their seats calling for a penalty after Leon Barnett went down under a challenge from Robert Huth inside the box, but referee Neil Swarbrick? was not interested in the cries for a spot kick.

Tony Pulis’ side were dealt a blow minutes later, as influential winger Jermaine Pennant, who had picked up an injury during the warm-up, pulled up and had to be replaced by Danny Pugh.

Things then went from bad to worse for Stoke as Jonathan Woodgate gave away a free kick for a clumsy foul on the right wing which led to Norwich’s opening goal.

Bradley Johnson swung the free kick in from the right hand side onto the head of the onrushing De Laet, who angled his header from just inside the area past Asmir Begovic and into the back of the net.

Stoke boss Pulis clearly had some harsh words for his side during the break and they had a chance to equalise just before the hour mark when Grant Holt gave away a free kick right on the edge of the area.

Matthew Etherington stepped up to take the free kick, but his curling effort was just tipped over by Ruddy.

Minutes later Stoke were handed another golden opportunity to level as Jon Walters was brought down by Barnett with the goal in sight, with referee Swarbrick pointing to the penalty spot and showing the Norwich defender a straight red card.

Walters dusted himself off and took the spot kick, but could not beat Ruddy who made a diving save to his left.

It was all Stoke from there on in, but try as the y might they could not find a way to goal, with Jones butchering a golden opportunity from the edge of the six yard box.

But the lanky striker made amends in the third minute of injury time, connecting with a floating ball in the box to break Norwich hearts.