Matthew Etherington was on target as Stoke City continued their solid home form with a 1-0 win over Norwich City on Saturday.
It was the home side who fashioned the first chance of the match and it came after nine minutes when Jonathan Walters had an effort from distance, but his strike was pushed away by John Ruddy.
Stoke again went close five minutes later when Robert Huth got above Zak Whitbread, but the German's header drifted just wide of the post.
The home side continued to dominate the opening period and Dean Whitehead brought the best out of Ruddy with an effort after 24 minutes.
The away side's best chance of the half fell to Grant Holt after 35 minutes, but the powerful forward struck wide from outside the area.
Peter Crouch twice went close for Stoke in the latter stages of the half, but Bradley Johnson was on hand to prevent the danger.
Crouch missed a golden chance to put his side ahead after 60 minutes, but his header cleared the crossbar from inside the box.
Stoke eventually took the lead after 72 minutes when Etherington found the back of the net from a seemingly impossible angle.
It was the home side who continued to dominate and Kenwyne Jones went close ten minutes before the final whistle, but Ruddy was again on hand to produce the goods.
Stoke will look to continue their winning run when they travel to Chelsea next Saturday, while Norwich host Wigan Athletic a day later.
Matt Law
