Slight improvement from the Seasiders in the second-half but still nowhere near enough, so Michael Appleton’s side can have no complaints with the result.

Poor defensively and only attacking threat came via Bowler.

Five minutes added on for Blackpool to grab themselves a consolation.

Another cross from the left, another Stoke goal. Jacob Brown the man left in acres of space before firing home at the near post.

Good finish, desperate defending.

Dan Grimshaw makes an excellent save to deny Dwight Gayle.

Charlie Patino is on for his Blackpool debut, replacing Lewis Fiorini.

That's given the away end a lift.

A superb Josh Tymon free kick reaches about four Stoke men in the six-yard box, but somehow Pool survive.

Callum Connolly does well to beat his man at the near post from a Lewis Fiorini corner but can’t control it, firing well over.

Pool still on top here though.

Now Blackpool have a free-kick right on the edge of the box, albeit in a wide position.

Josh Bowler the man brought down after combining well with Callum Connolly.

Lewis Baker lashes well wide after his free-kick hits the wall.

Rhys Williams makes a vital block to deny Stoke a second.

Hosts are awarded a free-kick right on the edge of the box though.