Stoke City thump Bolton to reach first FA Cup final

Apr 17, 2011, 17:09 GMT

London - Stoke City produced a stunning performance as they thumped Bolton Wanderers 5-0 on Sunday to reach the final of the FA Cup for the first time in their history.

They will meet Manchester City, who on Saturday beat city rivals United 1-0 in the other semi-final, in the deciding game.

Two goals by Jonathan Walters and strikes from Matthew Etherington, Robert Huth and Kenwyne Jones sealed a famous win for Tony Pulis's side.

It is fourth time lucky for Stoke, who lost in the semi-finals three times, including twice at the hands of Arsenal in 1971 and 1972.

Bolton went into the match as narrow favourites but their defence capitulated as Stoke went 3-0 up inside half an hour.

First Etherington lashed the ball home from 22 yards on 11 minutes and then defender Huth smashed a second goal from 20 yards to double his side's lead six minutes later.

Bolton's defence was wanting again on the half-hour mark and Jermaine Pennant fed Jones who slipped the ball home for the third goal.

There was really no way back for Bolton from there and their faint hopes were ended when Walters smacked a fourth goal in from around 25 yards midway through the second half.

And the striker completed the rout with his second and Stoke's fifth as he found the net nine minutes from time.

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