New boy scores as Stoke City host behind closed doors clash with Notts County

Luca Bombino scored the only goal as Stoke City defeated Notts County 1-0 across two 60-minute halves in a behind-closed-doors friendly at Clayton Wood. Manager Mark Robins fielded 22 players to maintain fitness during the international break, using a senior lineup in a goalless first hour before integrating youth players for the second session.

The match allowed Martin Paterson's Notts County to give minutes to fit-again summer signing Max Sanders following a calf injury. Stoke City are preparing for their Championship fixture against Bolton Wanderers, while managing the absence of 10 international players including Luke Graham, Junior Tchamadeu, and Bae Junho.