Pulis pleased with Stoke display
Stoke manager Tony Pulis praised his players for overcoming the challenge of FC Thun's artificial pitch to record a potentially crucial 1-0 win in the opening leg of their Europa League play-off clash.
Danny Pugh hit a 19th-minute winner for the Barclays Premier League side but they came under some pressure before home goalkeeper David Da Costa was sent off for violent conduct in injury time.
Pulis said: "It was difficult on the Astroturf because we don't have much experience on this kind of ground. They were difficult conditions but otherwise it was a brilliant game."
He added: "Danny's strike was fantastic and I'm glad Matthew Upson played all the 90 minutes. We had a great time in Switzerland and we met some great people, and the players enjoyed the journey."
Pulis' thoughts immediately switched to Sunday's trip to Carrow Road, where his side will aim to build on their encouraging start to the season after the goalless draw with Chelsea.
"Now the players are already recovering and resting because the next 24 hours are going to be vital prior to the Norwich game," Pulis added.
