Here's how The Lancashire Telegraph scored the players' performances, with a six representing par for the course.

Leopold Walhstedt - 7

Came and claimed a few crosses and was largely untroubled. Didn't have any big save to make bar one decent stop in the first half.

James Hill - 8

Started off at right-back but moved into the centre after 10 minutes. Didn't give Gayle or Mmaee a sniff.

Hayden Carter - 8

Rock-solid on his return to the side. Won his headers and kept the Stoke attack quiet.

Scott Wharton - N/A

An eventful 10 minutes as he scored the opening goal and then had to come off after a clash of heads with Gayle. Walked off the pitch so hopefully, he's ok.

Harry Pickering - 7

Mr reliable on that left side again. Snuffed out any danger from the Stoke right, which had been earmarked as a potential danger area.

Sondre Tronstad - 7

Won tackles, broke up play and kept it simple.

Adam Wharton - 6

Gave the ball away a few times but didn't shirk his defensive work. A battling performance.

Sam Szmodics - 7

Had a couple of early opportunities to score and he probably should've taken one of them. But then he made amends by adding his 11th of the season on the break late on. Hardworking as ever, leading the press from the front.

Andrew Moran - 8

Had a hand in both goals with a good delivery for the corner that Wharton headed in. Then sealed the points with a good finish to round off a special week for the youngster.

Callum Brittain - 7

A surprise pick on the left-hand side to try and nullify the threat of Hoever on the Stoke right. Did his job.

Tyrhys Dolan - 7

Work diligently up front to press from the front. Didn't get any real sight of goal.

Substitutes:

Lewis Travis (Wharton, 10') - 7

Came on at right-back in an early defensive reshuffle. Did well against Junho. 

Jake Garrett (Dolan, 84') - N/A

Came on for the final 10 minutes to add more defensive assurance. Played a hand in both the second and third goal which will boost his confidence. 

Semir Telalovic (Moran, 90')

Harry Leonard (Szmodics, 90')

Arnor Sigurdsson (Brittain, 90')

Unused substitutes: Hilton, Gamble, Duru, Markanday.

Referee: Andrew Kitching

Attendance: 22,652