Stoke City: Potters must stop giving away leads, says midfielder Moran

Stoke City’s Andrew Moran says the Potters cannot afford to give away any more leads as they bid to adjust to life under new boss Narcis Pelach.

The Potters have twice dropped points from leading positions in Pelach’s first six games in charge, which largely accounts for the fact they have picked up just six points out of a possible 18 during his tenure.

On-loan Brighton midfielder Moran was missing when Stoke threw away a half-time lead to lose 3-1 at home to Hull in Pelach’s first game in charge on 20 September.

But he scored the second goal to put Stoke 2-0 up against Bristol City on Tuesday night, only to then see the visitors net twice in two minutes early in the second half to nick a 2-2 draw.

“It was a good start – and it was great to score again but, in the second half, we started the other way, so we really need to work on that,” Moran said.

“The manager was getting us fired up and warning us that the game was not over, but we were just a bit sloppy and let them get on the front foot – and it feels like a loss, having put ourselves in such a great position.”

The Potters dropped a place to 17th in the Championship as a result of letting that lead slip – but they have a quick chance to make amends when they head to Bramall Lane to face Sheffield United on Saturday.

“I can’t see why not,” Moran said. “If we put in a good performance.

“It’s Saturday/Tuesday/Saturday/Tuesday every week now until the next international break. But that’s what we want. He [Pelach] has got us really organised. He’s really detailed in his preparations. And we’d rather be playing matches.”