JON Walters’ dreams of winning the FA Cup with Stoke City are over after losing to Manchester City 1-0 in today’s final.
The Stoke striker, who started the season as captain of Ipswich Town, was unable to break down a resolute City defence, marshalled superbly by Nigel De Jong in front of them.
Yaya Toure was the Manchester matchwinner, following up his semi-final winner with the only goal in an intriguing, rather than absorbing, final.
The Ivory Coast midfielder blasted home from 10 yards after a spell of pinball in the Stoke penalty area on 73 minutes.
It was a deserved win for Roberto Mancini’s men who were denied a healthier victory by a string of great saves from Stoke keeper Thomas Sorensen.
As for Walters and Stoke, who were second best for most of today’s showpiece, they can console themselves with European football next season.
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