Crewe vs Stoke City

Crewe introduced 10 substitutes in a single batch at the hour mark, completely refreshing their XI. The change in energy and personnel shifted the momentum. Stoke had already made their own raft of changes, and the new-look Crewe side grew into the contest.

In the 75th minute, Adrien Thibaut — one of those second-half introductions — climbed highest to glance a header past substitute goalkeeper Frankie Fielding, levelling the score against the run of second-half play.

Stoke pushed hard for a winner in the closing stages. Maksym Talovierov, Lamine Cisse and Milan Smit all went close. In the dying moments, Smit's header appeared to cross the line before being scrambled clear, but no goal was awarded. "I can see the ball is over the line from here," wrote Stoke Sentinel reporter Leigh Curtis in his live coverage, "but it's not given."

Sam Gallagher (Stoke City) — The striker's 43rd-minute header was a moment of genuine quality. He held the ball up well throughout and was a constant aerial threat. Player of the Match.

Eric Bocat (Stoke City) — His pinpoint cross for Gallagher's goal was the standout delivery of the afternoon. Got forward well from left-back.

Adrien Thibaut (Crewe Alexandra) — Introduced at half-time, the Irish forward scored the equaliser with a deft header and gave Stoke's defence problems in the second period.

Josh Griffiths (Stoke City) — Made a critical first-half save to deny Gibson when Crewe broke through one-on-one, keeping his side level before Gallagher's opener.

Stoke registered 13 shots to Crewe's 5 (per available match data), underlining their territorial dominance particularly in the first half. The pattern reflected a Championship side controlling possession against a League Two opponent, but Crewe's bravery in possession — a high-risk, play-out-from-the-back approach — created genuine openings. The 1-1 scoreline flattered Crewe slightly on the balance of chances, but Stoke's profligacy in front of goal was a repeating theme: Robert Bozenik blazed over from a promising position, and several late opportunities went begging.

For Stoke City, the draw extends an unconvincing pre-season after last weekend's 1-0 loss to Braga. Mark Robins now takes his squad to Portugal for a training camp with two injury concerns to monitor: Soumare and Tchamadeu. The Championship season looms, and Robins will hope neither issue is serious.

Crewe Alexandra, who finished 11th in League Two last season, continue their pre-season build-up with growing signs of cohesion. After a goalless draw with Prescot Cables and a 3-2 win over Witton Albion, this performance against higher-tier opposition will encourage manager Lee Bell's side ahead of the new League Two campaign.

A competitive pre-season workout that served its purpose for both sides, but Stoke will rue the two injury scares and the missed chances that cost them victory. Crewe's second-half response showed character, while Thibaut's goal was a reminder of the depth in their squad. The disallowed Smit header will be a talking point, but in pre-season friendlies, the scoreline matters less than the fitness and sharpness gained.

Stoke City's next fixture is their pre-season tour in Portugal; Crewe continue their preparations for the League Two season.