IRELAND INTERNATIONAL JAMES McClean was on target with the opening goal as Stoke City boosted their Championship survival hopes with a much-needed win this afternoon.
The Potters were 3-1 victors over fellow tier two strugglers Charlton Athletic, with McClean tapping home the first goal of the afternoon with 28 minutes on the clock at the bet365 Stadium.
The Derry native was in the right place at the right time to grab his sixth goal of the season, after Nick Powell headed Sam Clucas’ corner into his path at the back post.
Tom Ince and Powell scored the other Stoke goals in the second half, while Ireland defender Nathan Collins was on the bench.
Josh Cullen started for Charlton, whose equaliser came from Ben Purrington before City pulled away to take all three points after the break. The win extends Michael O’Neill’s side’s unbeaten home run to six games, and lifts them above the Addicks into 20th place — five points above the Championship bottom three
Elsewhere, Alan Browne and Sean Maguire helped Preston North End to a 2-1 win away to Wigan Athletic, while Joe Rafferty was an unused substitute.
Derby County secured their first away win since the opening day of the season, with Tom Lawrence’s late effort sealing a 3-2 victory for Phillip Cocu’s charges over Swansea City. Jason Knight started for Derby.
Hull City and Reading played out a scrappy 1-1 draw at the Madejski Stadium, but in one instance of Irish interest, Sean McLoughlin made his Hull debut and looked comfortable throughout.
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