Stoke take the spoils in relegation showdown

Stoke climbed out of the Premier League relegation zone thanks to a vital 1-0 win over fellow strugglers Middlesbrough on Saturday.

Tony Pulis’s side began the day in the final relegation place but they are now three points clear of the bottom three thanks to a late goal from Ryan Shawcross at the Britannia Stadium.

It was Stoke’s second win in three games and continued their impressive form in front of their vociferous home fans – City have taken 28 of their 32 points this season at the Britannia.

In contrast, Middlesbrough’s recent win over Liverpool is looking more and more like a blip in a woeful season for Gareth Southgate’s team, who remain second bottom and are now four points adrift of safety.

When Rory Delap decided not to unleash his famous long throw in the early stages, Pulis was quick to berate his midfielder.

Delap heeded his manager’s advice and launched a cannon throw into the Middlesbrough penalty area with his next opportunity. Predictably it caused havoc and James Beattie forced a reaction one-handed save out from Australian keeper Brad Jones after Salif Diao headed goalwards.

Middlesbrough pressed forward in response and defender McMahon headed straight at Thomas Sorensen from Andrew Taylor’s cross.

A no-holds-barred encounter turned nasty when Stoke striker Ricardo Fuller was booked for catching Robert Huth in the face with an arm. Diao and Glenn Whelan were also booked as Stoke tried to over-power their opponents.

Tuncay Sanli almost snatched the lead for Middlesbrough before half-time but his shot dipped over.

Middlesbrough found it hard to generate much attacking momentum and Southgate sent on Afonso Alves for Marlon King in the 55th minute.

The Brazilian made an immediate impact. He combined with Stewart Downing and Tuncay to set up Gary O’Neil, whose shot was pushed away by Sorensen.

O’Neil’s low free-kick then somehow found its way to Tuncay at the far post but faced with a narrow angle the Turkish striker drilled into the side-netting.

Delap’s throw-ins continued to cause problems for Middlesbrough and from one Fuller headed on for Beattie to volley over the angle of post and crossbar.

In the 72nd minute, Beattie headed over the best chance he had seen all afternoon when Liam Lawrence weaved his way into the penalty area and crossed to the far post.

Stoke’s pressure finally told in the 84th minute from a familiar source. Delap hurled a right-wing throw into the penalty area and Shawcross escaped his marker to nudge home from close range.