However , in stark contrast to last season 's goal fest at the Britannia , the opening period was stale and lacklustre as both teams made a cagey start to the contest .
Stoke will still have been disappointed not to have gone in ahead at the break .
However , in stark contrast to last season 's goal fest at the Britannia , the opening period was stale and lacklustre as both teams made a cagey start to the contest , although Stoke will still have been disappointed not to have gone in ahead at the break .