Walters nets in Orlando victory

Jonathan Walters scored the only goal as Stoke continued their pre-season build-up with a 1-0 victory over Orlando City in Florida.

Walters volleyed in past Orlando goalkeeper Miguel Gallardo just before half-time to settle the clash at the Citrus Bowl on Saturday after a neat knockdown by Peter Crouch. The Republic of Ireland international was also on the scoresheet in the Potters' first game on their tour of the USA against Columbus Crew on Tuesday evening. However, it wasn't all plain sailing for Tony Pulis' men as they took on an Orlando side buoyed by their USL PRO title success, with Walters' Ireland team-mate Glenn Whelan receiving his marching orders. He was dismissed after two quick bookings for a foul on Rodrigo Lopez and then a scuffle with former Potters favourite James O'Connor. Stoke keeper Thomas Sorensen was severely tested on a number of occasions as well, but the visitors held on to secure a narrow win despite seeing Cameron Jerome and Marc Wilson limp off late on with injuries. Pulis told the club's official website: "This was a tough test in many respects, even more so for the fact that we were down to ten men after Glenn's red card, but the lads showed great character and a good attitude to come through it. "It's all about building up the players' fitness at the moment and they certainly had to work extremely hard tonight to get a result, what with the condition of the pitch and the heat as well, so to be down to ten for so long made it even tougher for them." The City manager is also confident that Whelan's sending-off won't be costly, although he is awaiting clarification on any possible suspension, as the friendly wasn't staged in the UK.