• FA Cup

Stoke players happy to hit back at critics

ESPNsoccernet staff
April 17, 2011

Stoke City striker Jon Walters paid tribute to his team-mates after a resounding 5-0 FA Cup semi-final win over Bolton Wanderers at Wembley.

Stoke will face Manchester City in the final after Walters scored twice, with the other goals coming from Matthew Etherington, Robert Huth and Kenwyne Jones.

Walters told ESPN: "We wanted to achieve something this year. It was a tough game but we did really well from back to front. I'm made up to be quite honest.

"It's been very hard over the years but a lot of people have helped me along the way.''

Defender Andy Wilkinson, who is Staffordshire born, added: "Words can't describe it. It's unbelievable. The fans have been great, it's like a home game for us. I'm a bit emotional, I'm going to enjoy it and then focus on the final.''

Midfielder Rory Delap said: "I'm delighted, for everyone. We've had a good couple of years. We've earned this and we've got a big game now at the end of May."

Etherington, who was voted Man of the Match, added on ESPN: "We scored some great goals today.

"We get our knockers, people say certain things about us. Today was our day to prove them wrong.

"We are used to being the underdogs. The manager said that before the game and we will be the underdogs in the final as well. Bring it on.''

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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