Crawley Town were handed what looked to be a huge boost against Premier League opposition Stoke City when the Potters went down to ten men in the first half, but they were seen off 2-0 anyway as they ultimately failed to take advantage of the many chances they were offered during the match.
Crawley Town Vs. Stoke City, 2012 FA Cup: 10-Man Potters Advance
The hosts had already hit the crossbar via the head of Stoke striker Peter Crouch when Rory Delap wiped out David Hunt on the halfway line just 17 minutes in, picking up a straight red card for his troubles. With the visitors down a man, Crawley were giving just as good as they were getting, but as the first half was drawing to a close Kyle McFadzean was penalised for fouling Ryan Shawcross in the area. Jonathan Walters happily fired in the spot kick to make it 1-0 to the Premier League team.
Crouch made it 2-0 shortly after the restart, nodding home a Glenn Whelan free kick, and despite Crawley looking fairly dangerous they simply couldn't get back into the match. Stoke now join Sunderland, Everton and Bolton Wanderers in the quarterfinals.
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