The Premier League side fielded a fairly accomplished line-up at The Weaver Stadium, with Ibrahima Sonko and Dave Kitson starting for the Potters.

Summer signing Florent Cuvelier, who joined Pulis’ side from Portsmouth, impressed throughout the contest, as the 17-year-old dictated the tempo, and controlled the midfield play.

But the Belgian was not the only youngster to shine for Stoke, with 18-year-old forward Louis Moult bagging a first-half brace.

The young striker fired Stoke ahead in the 28th minute with a clinical finish after Matty Lund played him through, before doubling the advantage ten minutes later by brilliantly diverting Ben Marshall's ball into the bottom corner of the net.

The match was entertaining throughout, with both sides playing some neat touches, although they were unable to the trouble the goalkeepers on too many occasions.

Nantwich finally earned the goal that their performance deserved, and what a strike it was, with Jake Sedgemore curling home an unbelievable free-kick from no less than 35-yards.

Stoke City starting XI: St.Louis-Hamilton; Shotton, Davies, Sonko, Dickinson; Soares, Lund, Cuvellier, Marshall; Moult, Kitson.