Hoever cleans up as Stoke bag all three points against Blackburn
The Potters started brightly, with Will Smallbone rattling the crossbar after just 11 minutes and Jacob Brown seeing his effort deflected out for a corner.
It looked like only a matter of time before the opener came, but the source of the goal was a surprise, as Hoever netted for just the second time in his senior career by meeting Dwight Gayle’s deep cross and converting with a powerful first-time finish.
Rovers have only gained one point from a losing position in the Championship this season, and it was clear to see why as they struggled for a response after going behind.
Indeed, while Stoke goalkeeper Jack Bonham didn’t have a save to make in the first half, Rovers’ stopper Aynsley Pears was forced into a long range stop from Smallbone, before Hoever doubled his tally for the night moments later, diving in at the back post to convert from close range.
Jon Dahl Tomasson clearly gave the visitors a talking to at the break as they started the second half much brighter, with Lewis Travis fizzing a 25-yard effort just wide.
Smallbone wasted a chance to put the game to bed once and for all at the other end though, as he somehow missed the target from close range.
That left the door open for a Blackburn comeback, with Hayden Carter missing the target before Axel Tuanzebe’s tackle prevented substitute Ben Brereton Díaz from landing a shot on target.
Rovers failed to make their chances count, though, and soon found themselves 3-0 down as Tyrese Campbell fired home from inside the area.
That should have been curtains, but Brereton Díaz pulled one back with a towering header, before Sam Gallagher added another in the 90th minute, leaving some Blackburn fans who’d already headed for the exit to make a quick dash back to their seats.
There was to be no equaliser though, as the visitors suffered their first defeat in nine league outings and remain nine points behind second-placed Sheffield United.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Will Smallbone (Stoke City)
