BRIAN Talbot was 'delighted' after two goals in four minutes dumped Stoke out of the Carling Cup following the dismissal of Wayne Thomas.

"I would say the sending off won us the game, because up until then we huffed and puffed without an end product", he admitted.

Referee Trevor Parkes handed the Thomas a second booking for a 59th minute foul on Les Pogliacomi.

Stoke were gifted the lead on 25 minutes when Carl Asaba beat Pogliacomi from Clive Clarke's pass.

The explosive mazy runs of Jermaine Johnson were a constant menace while strike partner Chris Killen - replacing M60 traffic jam victim Rodney Jack - thumped the bar.

Threatening through Killen and Johnson after the restart, the balance of power swung decisively Latics' way when Thomas saw red on 59 minutes.

First, David Eyres equalised with a header on 72 minutes before John Eyre netted from the spot after Johnson's bicycle kick struck Clint Hill's arm.

OLDHAM: Pogliacomi, Holden, Griffin, Bonner, Haining (Beharall 46 mins), Arber, Boshell, Killen (Barlow 69 mins), Eyre, Johnson, Eyres. Subs (not used): Mawson, Tierney.

Tweet