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Stoke - Stoke ended their four-match losing streak in an entertaining 3-2 victory over Birmingham at the Britannia Stadium.
Stoke looked to have squandered a certain three points after Birmingham fought back from 2-0 down in the second half.
But a winner five minutes from time by Dean Whitehead sealed maximum points for the Potters, who moved up to 15th place. The loss left Birmingham hovering just above the relegation zone in 17th.
Stoke had taken the lead on the stroke of half-time, skipper Robert Huth lashing in from close range after a Ricardo Fuller shot had cannoned off two Birmingham defenders.
The Potters looked to be cruising to victory midway through the second half when Fuller curled in a superb shot from distance to make it 2-0.
But Fuller's strike was the signal for a spirited Birmingham fightback. Kevin Fahey pulled one back for the Blues, slamming in from 18 yards and two minutes later Birmingham were level.
An exquisite Sebastian Larsson cross to the far post was met by Cameron Jerome, rising high to glance in past Asmir Begovic.
Yet just when Birmingham had clawed their way back into the game, Whitehead struck to ease the pressure on Stoke boss Tony Pulis.
"Our main priority was to get the three points and we got that in the end," Whitehead told Sky Sports. "They put us under a lot of pressure and pushed us back but it was nice to get the win in the end."
Stoke looked to have squandered a certain three points after Birmingham fought back from 2-0 down in the second half.
But a winner five minutes from time by Dean Whitehead sealed maximum points for the Potters, who moved up to 15th place. The loss left Birmingham hovering just above the relegation zone in 17th.
Stoke had taken the lead on the stroke of half-time, skipper Robert Huth lashing in from close range after a Ricardo Fuller shot had cannoned off two Birmingham defenders.
The Potters looked to be cruising to victory midway through the second half when Fuller curled in a superb shot from distance to make it 2-0.
But Fuller's strike was the signal for a spirited Birmingham fightback. Kevin Fahey pulled one back for the Blues, slamming in from 18 yards and two minutes later Birmingham were level.
An exquisite Sebastian Larsson cross to the far post was met by Cameron Jerome, rising high to glance in past Asmir Begovic.
Yet just when Birmingham had clawed their way back into the game, Whitehead struck to ease the pressure on Stoke boss Tony Pulis.
"Our main priority was to get the three points and we got that in the end," Whitehead told Sky Sports. "They put us under a lot of pressure and pushed us back but it was nice to get the win in the end."
