The left-foot of Danny Higginbotham, with the help of a Scott Parker deflection and a hole in a wall created by Ryan Shawcross and Robert Huth, has restored Stoke City's lead, the Potters now up 2-1 over West Ham United. With just over half and hour of regulation time left, Stoke City has canceled Frederic Piquionne's controversial first half equalizer and are on the brink of Wembley.
Stoke City Vs. West Ham United, FA Cup: Danny Higginbotham Direct Kick Gives Potters 63rd Minute Lead
The crucial parts of the play start with the set-up of the well, with Potter defenders Shawcross and Huth establishing their place at 10 yards before West Ham could set-up their wall. The duo put themselves right in front of Robert Green, a placement that would prove vital after Scott Parker, running toward Higginbotham’s shot, clipped the ball with his left foot. The deflection went through the space vacated by Higginbotham’s teammates, giving Robert Green almost no time to react.
The West Ham `keeper was able to push the ball onto the left post, but the shot would end up bouncing in. Stoke City, perhaps justly, is back in front.
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