So, three games in and three points to show for it.

I caught the coach to this one, and arrived in good time, allowing me to have a browse round the Riverside Stadium. A bit like Stoke's ground from the outside (of six months ago), it is looking tired and needs a clean up desperately. Popping my head in the club shop, I noticed Gary Pallister signing his new book - something I might have to do in the near future to promote my new publication. He looked a very bored man!

After last week's thriller against the Villa, Stoke fans were in good voice - hailing substitute Mamady Sidibe when he came off the bench for a little jog up and down the touchline. We started fantastically, with Lawrence testing the dodgy Turnbull with a low free-kick. Could these be our first away points in the Premier League?

The chant of the day from the Stokies (although probably something Middlesbrough fans hear every week) was, "If Downing plays for England, so can I!". It created tremendous laughter amongst the 2,000 visiting supporters.

Disaster struck just after the half hour mark. A stupid and untidy two-footed tackle from our man of the match up to that point, made the contest doubly difficult for us. We failed to clear our lines and in the end Amdy Faye's tackle got what it deserved. It was made even worse that the resulting free-kick was curled expertly into the top corner by Afonso Alves.

It didn't stop us Stokies singing thoughout. The quiet home fans were well and truly silenced by our constant chants (and of course the odd rendition of Delilah).

Stoke lined up in the second half with record signing (and striker) Dave Kitson on the left wing, but he was linking up very well with Ricardo Fuller in his new found role.

However, we just couldn't get enough ball possession to get in the game and gave away a soft penalty when Olofinjana tripped Alves. "If Downing plays for England so can I" stepped up to the spot and smacked the crossbar. Was this the luck we so dearly needed?

It was, and more was around the corner. A clever turn on the right wing by Lawrence gave him some space and his cross dropped at the far post. Kitson gave £3million defender Justin Hoyte a little nudge and the ball trickled over the line.

The Stoke players celebrated in a rather subdued fashion, leaving us supporters to do the 'mental' bit!

This would be a bonus point. Down to 10 men at a side who should have won at Anfield the week before, and us Stokies were loving it! Big Tommy Sorensen was making some crucial saves in our goal but our bonus point was lost with five minutes remaining.

Youth product Andy Wilkinson tip-toed out of defence but was dispossessed by Downing. After a bit of pinball, a Digard shot fell to Tuncay (who was kept onside by Wilkinson) who slotted the ball past Sorensen.

The pain was there for all to see, with Lawrence hitting the ground with his hands on his head. There were still five minutes plus stoppage time left though! We could still do it!

Alas, it wasn't to be but we kept singing to the bitter end. Indeed, "We love you City we do!", they did us proud.

The walk back to the coach was like a maze, trying to dodge the police horses and congratulatory Boro fans who said we were unlucky not to get something. After a three-hour journey back home it was left to evaluate things.

Three points against Villa last week was much better than a point against them and a point against Boro. That is my positive mentality.

It is hoped that Mr Pulis' success in the transfer market continues on deadline day and that we can slay the Toffees in a couple of weeks' time.