Stoke City scored twice in the second half to overturn a first-half deficit and beat Crystal Palace this afternoon.
Charlie Adam had the first chance of the match, but his low shot was saved by Julian Speroni in the Crystal Palace goal.
Matthew Etherington then fired over a cross but Speroni was able to gather before Peter Crouch could get on the end of it.
Stoke had the majority of the early play and forced a succession of corners. However, they were unable to force Speroni into action.
Palace's first opening came through Dwight Gayle who tried his luck against Asmir Begovic, although the keeper made a comfortable save.
Crouch then failed to hit the target with a header from six yards out.
Palace, who had struggled to trouble their opponents, then took the lead through Marouane Chamakh who nipped in to tap home from a long ball.
Stoke almost equalised straight away as Crouch headed against the bar, before the ball hit Speroni who just managed to save.
Palace debutant Jose Campana went close to making it 2-0 before the break but his free kick went just over.
Stoke began the second half on the attack and both Steven Nzonzi and Jonathan Walters sent shots wide.
Charlie Adam then warranted his inclusion in the starting XI with the equaliser after good work from Crouch.
The Potters then turned the game on its head with their second goal, this time through captain Ryan Shawcross who was set up by Robert Huth.
Begovic maintained Stoke's advantage with a great save from Jason Puncheon after Adam had given the ball away in the middle.
Gayle fizzed a volley wide but Stoke held out and secured the three points.
Gary Peters
