ENGLISH FA CUP SEMI-FINALS: Bolton Wanderers 0 Stoke City 5:STOKE CITY did so much more than reach the FA Cup final for the first time in their history with this remarkable result. The manner of their victory also laid down a marker for their meeting with Manchester City at Wembley.

An electric 19-minute period in the first half delivered three Stoke goals, from Matthew Etherington, Robert Huth and Kenwyne Jones, that effectively settled the tie before Jon Walters added another two after the interval to.

Bolton were dreadful. Coyle had his head in his hands from as early as the half-hour and a number of their supporters had started to head for the exits with a quarter of the game still remaining.

At the opposite end of the stadium there were scenes of unbridled joy as Stoke fans celebrated reaching a major final for the first time since they won the League Cup in 1972.

The Stoke goal rush started in the 11th minute when Paul Robinson’s careless square pass ran loose to Etherington, who struck a superb 22-yard shot that flashed beyond Jussi Jaaskelainen.

Within six minutes the lead was doubled, Huth striking a right-footed shot that was moving away from Jaaskelainen as it veered into the corner of the net.

Bolton looked shellshocked and Jermaine Pennant carried the ball 50 yards before getting a touch of good fortune with a pass that landed at the feet of Jones. The striker calmly picked his spot, steering the ball past Jaaskelainen.

It was no surprise when Stoke added a fourth. Walters accelerated forward before cutting inside and curling a sublime low shot inside the far post. His second, in the 81st minute, arrived after Andy Wilkinson inadvertently touched the ball into his path at the far post.

All of which left Tony Pulis to reflect on a hugely satisfying day.

Guardian Service

Attendance: 75,00