The draw was all down to hard work, says Stoke's Peter Crouch

Peter Crouch said he was delighted after scoring his debut goal for Stoke City in their draw with Manchester United at the Britannia Stadium last night.

Nani opened the scoring for United in the 27th minute when he burst into the area and clipped the ball in at the near post before Crouch headed home to equalise six minutes after the break.

The draw means Stoke claimed their first ever Premier League point from United while the leaders dropped their first points of the season, although they remain ahead of neighbours Manchester City at the top on goal difference.

Striker Crouch believes the strong team spirit at the club will lead them to success this season.

"It's always nice to get your first goal for your new club In front of your home supporters," he told ESPN. "Against Manchester United it's really pleasing for me.

"We worked so hard, and I've never know a team spirit like it. The team spirit here, and the willingness to work, that's why we got a result today.

"We created a few chances and as long as we play like that we'll do well this season.

"Since I've been here I've never known a character and willingness to work like Stoke City.

"The manager's instilled it and when I first signed he said 'you've got to be part of that and work hard' and that's what he expects and that's why we've got the result here against Manchester United.

"They're in top, top form and that draw was down to hard work and that little bit of quality and, that's why we get those results."

Ryan Shawcross, the Stoke defender, praised man-of-the-match Crouch for his second-half equaliser.

"Our overall performance was fantastic and the big man's popped up with a goal and we brought him here to do that," he said. "He's a great player."