Delap defends set-piece reliance

Delap: Deadly long throw

Rory Delap insists Stoke City will remain reliant on set-pieces for the foreseeable future.

The Potters utilise set-pieces more than most in the Premier League and Delap's long-throws creates problems for the best of them.

Stoke's ethos shows no signs of changing with a Delap throw leading to Stephen Jordan's own goal in Stoke's 2-0 win over Burnley.

Delap makes no apology over Tony Pulis' tactics, stating they will continue to play the way the gives them the best chance of success.

Vitally important

"I don't think anyone's under any illusions that set-pieces, both defending and attacking, are vitally important to us. It proved that again," said Pulis.

"To be honest, the one we scored off slipped out my hands. But I'll take anything to get the win - that's the important thing.

"It is always important to get the first win, and to do it in the first game at home matters so much more.

"It showed the character of the team that, even though we didn't play particularly well on the ball, we stuck in there."