Crewe 1-1 Stoke City notebook: Player ratings as Mark Robins given double worry

Stoke City were left sweating over injury scares to Junior Tchamadeu and new signing Djibril Soumare. as they were held to a 1-1 draw with Crewe Alexandra this afternoon.

Soumare had to be replaced after the half-hour mark after picking up a knock, before Sam Gallagher gave Stoke the lead when he towered to meet a cross from Eric Bocat.

If Mark Robins had hoped to escape further injury issues, Tchamadeu then had to come off after the interval, and Stoke will hope both problems are not serious as they prepare to jet out to Portugal for their pre-season tour.

It marred what was a competitive and valuable workout for Stoke against a Crewe side who were brave in possession as they plan for next season's assault on League Two.

However, they nearly conceded a comical own goal in the second half when goalkeeper Ian Lawlor cannoned a clearance off his own defender Mickey Demetriou but watched as it dropped inches wide of the post.

But they did leave their mark at the other end when Adrien Thibaut climbed highest to glance a header past substitute goalkeeper Frankie Fielding.

Stoke had several chances to win at the end as Maxsym Talovierov, Lamine Cisse and Milan Smit went close. Smit also saw a header appear to cross the line at the death, but it wasn't given as both sides settled for a draw.

Josh Griffiths: Made a superb save in the first half to deny Crewe winger Jordan Gibson. Fumbled a shot in the second half but Crewe could capitalise.

Junior Tchamadeu: Got involved in some afters with Owen Lunt which resulted in a yellow card. Got forward to support the attack as you would expect him to. Had to be replaced due to injury in the second half.

Bosun Lawal: Played as a left and right-sided centre-back and did okay. Wasn't overly tested by the hosts whose main efforts came from distance.

Luke Graham: Had so many clubs chasing him in the summer, but Stoke won the battle and the young centre-back looks a very commanding presence. Might struggle against some pace in behind, but otherwise very assured.

Eric Bocat: His cross for the goal was an absolute peach and Sam Gallagher could not have asked for a better delivery to make use of his aerial ability.

Ethan Galbraith: Neat and tidy. There were a couple of moments where he wasn't on the same wavelength as some of the others, but that will get better with time.

Svante Ingelsson: Possesses an absolute cannon of a long throw that Stoke will certainly try to make the most of next season. A straightforward 90 minutes.

Djibril Soumare: The new signing from Braga possesses a great deal of energy and looks a proper athlete but sadly his afternoon was halted by injury. Hopefully it's not too serious.

Sam Gallagher: Hung in the air like a seasoned NBA player for the goal. Had a couple of opportunities that came his way and took his goal brilliantly.

Robert Bozenik: Had a very good chance in the first half that he blazed over the bar and he will be disappointed with the level of finishing really. Should have done better.

Sorba Thomas: Swung in a few crosses. Some found their mark, others did not. Had a shot in the second half that he didn't quite connect with.

Frankie Fielding: Was beaten by Thibaut's deft header.

Maksym Talovierov: Came very close with a header at the death.

Ben Wilmot: Did okay

Ben Gibson: Used his experience.

Aaron Cresswell: Steady when he was on the pitch.

Ben Pearson: Battled away.

Tomas Rigo: Did fine.

Tatsuki Seko: Created a very good chance for Smit at the end.

Tyler Martin: Looks like he has pace to burn.

Lamine Cisse: Had a good chance late on but fluffed his lines.

Milan Smit: Should have scored and looked to be denied a definite goal when his header looked to have crossed the line before it was cleared.

Talking point: This was an entertaining draw that, on the balance of chances, Stoke really should have won. But the biggest issue for Mark Robins are those knocks to Junior Tchamadeu and Djibril Soumare. You just want to get through pre-season without any scares but Stoke will hope both of those problems are not serious.