Coach Pulis inspires great win for stoke against Villa

Stoke manager Tony Pulis' emotional return to the dug-out after his mother's death inspired his side to a dramatic 2-1 win against Aston Villa last night.

Pulis missed the first half of the Britannia Stadium clash following his elderly mother's passing earlier in the day, but he decided to return to work in time for the second period and his dedication sparked a remarkable response from his players.

Stoke had been out-played for much of the first half and trailed to Stewart Downing's diving header, but they roared back after the interval and secured their first win of the season thanks to a Kenwyne Jones header and Robert Huth's strike with virtually the last kick of the game.

Pulis celebrated Huth's goal with a joyous jig on the touchline before sprinting down the tunnel as soon as the final whistle blew. Stoke's Matthew Etherington admitted Pulis had delivered a stern half-time speech that revitalised the team.