Stoke City

Patson Daka and Jamie Vardy both scored twice, including a penalty each, to inspire the Foxes to a comprehensive victory.

The in-form Daka opened the scoring and Kasey McAteer doubled the visitors’ advantage shortly before the half-hour mark.

After the break a first penalty of the afternoon for Leicester allowed Daka to net his second, his ninth goal involvement in his last eight matches.

An evergreen Jamie Vardy came off the bench to complete the rout, firing in his first goals in the league since November.

Stoke offered little resistance against the table-toppers, with their winless home run extended to nine games, dating back to October.

Unbeaten in eight meetings with the Potters, a rampant Leicester started on the front foot.

The returning Abdul Fatawu, who had missed three games through suspension, flashed a venomous effort just wide in an early threat to the hosts.

Stoke failed to heed the warning, with a McAteer header forcing a smart acrobatic stop from Jack Bonham and Daka heading over from close range.

And Enzo Maresca’s side were soon rewarded, with the Daka adding the finishing touch to a slick attacking move.

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s delicate delivery was headed back across goal invitingly by Fatawu, with the Zambia international firing into an empty net.

The Potters then had a glorious opportunity for an immediate leveller, but Tyrese Campbell’s drilled effort was saved by the feet of Mads Hermansen.

Instead Leicester tightened their grip on the game as an ambitious McAteer effort from range deflected wickedly off Ben Wilmot and flew beyond a wrong-footed and helpless Bonham.

Steven Schumacher tried to revitalise the hosts with a string of changes after the interval, but Leicester did not let up.

When Wout Faes’ buccaneering run was halted in the area, Daka converted from 12 yards for a sixth goal in his last eight outings, either side of his trip to the Africa Cup of Nations.

It was the forward’s last piece of action for the day, but his replacement Vardy soon picked up the mantle.

The 37-year-old former England international finished first time from a glorious James Justin delivery and added a second from the penalty spot deep into stoppage time.

Stoke nearly added a consolation, but a Hermansen double save thwarted both Bae Jun-ho and Wilmot, capping off a dismal afternoon for the hosts.

But it was another day to remember for Leicester, who took another step closer to an immediate return to the Premier League.

The summer recruit from Wigan netted a quickfire brace early in the second half as the Lilywhites’ unbeaten start continued.

Half-time substitute Duane Holmes orchestrated the Preston knockout blow, firstly winning a penalty which Keane converted.

And the United States international was provider again for Keane’s second as he teeed up his strike partner for an easy tap-in.

A new-look Potters side, whose busy deadline day took their summer additions to 18, offered little in resistance as their four-match winning run at home was ended.

After a fierce start in which former Preston midfielder Ben Pearson was booked within 46 seconds, the visitors nearly opened the scoring with the game’s first effort on goal.

An Alan Browne effort from range deflected off Ben Wilmot and nearly wrongfooted Mark Travers, but the Potters’ goalkeeper did well to adjust and save.

Stoke gradually grew into the fixture and roles were reversed at the opposite end when Wilmot was then thwarted by Browne. A scramble in the box ended with the ball popping up invitingly for the defender, but his goalbound strike was headed clear by Preston’s captain.

The reliable Travers was called into action again shortly after the half-hour mark when a miraculous reflex stop kept the scores level.

Andrew Hughes advanced dangerously into the area and his cross was nearly inadvertently converted by Stoke defender Enda Stevens, if not for Travers’ instinct save.

The hosts’ best chance of the first half fell to Tyrese Campbell when he was found in the box by a pinpoint Wesley delivery, but the forward miscued his volleyed attempt.

A first half low on creativity drew to an uneventful close and Preston boss Ryan Lowe delivered a masterstroke to swing the tie in his side’s favour.

The introduction of Holmes at the interval proved the difference as the new addition from Huddersfield continued his bright start to life with the Lancashire outfit.

A jinking and weaving run from Holmes was abruptly stopped by Wouter Burger in the box, with the Stoke midfielder penalised by referee Matthew Donohue.

Keane stepped up for the ensuing spot-kick and happily obliged from 12 yards, drilling an effort down the middle of the goal.

Preston’s two new stars combined again in the 57th minute when Holmes set up Keane to send the travelling 2,586 fans into delirium.

Stoke boss Alex Neil – who spent just shy of four years in the Preston hotseat – tried to rouse a fightback from his shell-shocked side.

But the home side had to wait until the 77th minute to register their first shot on target as Campbell came closest to providing a consolation.

After Lyndon Dykes put the hosts ahead, Ryan Mmaee’s third goal in his past six appearances brought Stoke level.

Enda Stevens was sent off early in the second half but Wouter Burger put the Potters ahead before Dykes netted his second of the night.

Ben Pearson’s last-minute own goal was the stroke of luck struggling Rangers desperately needed, and Chris Willock added a fourth in stoppage time.

Before kick-off, QPR paid tribute to club great Terry Venables, with rousing applause for the former England boss following his death last week.

Venables was a popular player at Loftus Road and during a four-year spell as manager guided Rangers to an FA Cup final, promotion to the top flight and then a fifth-placed finish which saw the club qualify for Europe.

QPR’s current plight is a far cry from those heady days, but current boss Marti Cifuentes will at least take some encouragement from their relative improvement since his recent appointment.

His first win came in the Spaniard’s fourth match at the helm – a run which has included two draws.

Rangers took the lead after 11 minutes, when Dykes scored from the spot after Stevens was adjudged to have fouled Steve Cook while trying to prevent him from reaching Paul Smyth’s cross.

However, they missed two glorious chances to double their lead – and then conceded an equaliser a minute before half-time.

After Pearson made a mess of trying to intercept Ilias Chair’s pass, the ball bounced off Elijah Dixon-Bonner to Smyth, who was denied at point-blank range by keeper Jack Bonham.

Another defensive mishap, this time by Ciaran Clark, who presented the ball straight to Dykes, gifted the Scotland striker an opportunity but he shot straight at Bonham.

Immediately after that let-off for Stoke, they broke forward and keeper Asmir Begovic tipped away Tyrese Campbell’s effort after the forward found himself through on goal.

From the resulting corner by Bae Jun-Ho, Mmaee fired into the bottom corner after his first shot had been blocked.

When Stevens was sent off eight minutes after the interval, the tide seemed to be turning in QPR’s favour.

The defender pulled back Smyth near the edge of the penalty area and was shown a second yellow card.

But six minutes later, Stoke went ahead when Burger collected Mmaee’s pass near the edge of the penalty area and sent a left-footed strike beyond Begovic and in off the post.

Rangers responded, with Chair shooting against a post before Dykes hauled them level in the 79th minute.

Willock’s cross was cleared as far as Dykes, who controlled the ball on his chest before shooting low into the bottom corner.

Great work on the left by substitute Ziyad Larkeche led to the all-important goal which put Rangers ahead.

Larkeche fought ferociously for the ball before the Frenchman’s low cross was poked into his own net by Pearson.

And in the dying moments, Willock’s low strike beat Bonham at his near post.

The 42-year-old former player is a cult favorite at the West Midlands club where he made 182 appearances between 2006 and 2012 and scored 43 goals.

The Jamaican will return to the club as part of the Professional Player to Coach scheme, an initiative that is jointly administered by the Premier League, EFL, and Professional Footballers' Association.  The aim of the program is to increase the presence of minority coaches in the game of English football, a major talking point for the last several years.

Fuller will do work with all age groups at the club’s youth academy, where players range in age from 9-21.  Despite being a former fan favourite, the club made it clear the retired striker was not simply handed the position.

“Ricardo was one of a host of applicants for the role and he proved to be the strongest candidate after a thorough interview process,” Garth Owen, the director of the club’s academy, explained.

Fuller made 72 appearances for the Jamaica national team and scored a total of 9 goals.

Pochettino was sacked by Tottenham in November, having led Spurs to the 2018-19 Champions League final.

Now, Manchester United and Manchester City are reportedly considering moves for Pochettino.

TOP STORY – POCH A MAN IN DEMAND IN MANCHESTER

Manchester United and neighbours Manchester City are both eyeing Mauricio Pochettino, according to the Mirror.

Pochettino has been out of work since his Tottenham sacking last year, and the former Spurs boss has emerged as the favourite to replace struggling United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

United vice-chairman Ed Woodward is reportedly ready to sack Solskjaer if results do not improve, while City are considering Pochettino, with Pep Guardiola yet to sign a contract extension.

ROUND-UP

- Sport claims Barcelona are already planning for the next transfer window. The LaLiga powerhouse are keen to sign two players, with City defender Eric Garcia and Lyon captain Memphis Depay at the top of the list. Barca are also looking to offload Ousmane Dembele who failed to join United on deadline day.

- Liverpool are in talks to sign Stoke City goalkeeper Jack Butland, claims the Mirror. It comes after Adrian struggles to deputise in the absence of injured number one Alisson.

- Tuttosport reports Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain are interested in signing Bayern Munich star David Alaba. The two clubs are eyeing Alaba on a free transfer, with the Austria international's contract expiring at season's end. Alaba has also been linked to the likes of City and Real Madrid.

- West Ham are trying to sign Brentford star Said Benrahma in a £17million deal, according to the Telegraph.

A second-half Will Keane double was the difference as the Lilywhites continued their unbeaten start to the season.

Half-time substitute Duane Holmes proved instrumental for the visitors, winning a penalty for Keane’s opener and then teeing up his side’s second.

Keane converted from 12 yards and tapped in for a simple brace, notching his third and fourth goals since a summer switch from Wigan.

In the process, Preston won their fourth league game in a row for the first time since May 2021.

“I’m really pleased. The performance was fantastic,” Lowe said. “We were defensively solid and resolute, and we knew we could create some chances as well.

“They’re a good team, got some good players and spent a lot of money, but we’ve got that real togetherness.

“We knew it was going to be tough, but our lads put their bodies on the line and deservedly came away with three points.

“We’ve got that togetherness with the group knowing what they’re doing and they left everything out there.

“I’ve always got belief, we’re going to enjoy the moment because we know it’s going to get harder because people are going to want to beat us.

“But that’s fine, we’ve got that real hunger and togetherness, and the lads are taking leadership and going about their business fantastically well.

“I’ve got an unbelievable group of staff who work tirelessly to give the lads everything and they’re buying into it and long may that continue.

“The group behind the players who haven’t been playing have been great, are sticking together and they’ve got that real family feel about them.

“We’ve got more depth, we’ve got good players, we’ve recruited smartly and we’re going to keep smiling and enjoy the moment.”

Ex-Preston boss Alex Neil, who spent just shy of four years at Deepdale, endured a frustrating afternoon at the hands of his former employers.

The hosts had to wait until the 77th minute before registering their first shot on target as their four-match winning run at home was ended.

“It was a frustrating game and there wasn’t much in it,” Neil noted.

“The first goal was always going to be vitally important because if they get it, they’ve been excellent at seeing the game out.

“The second goal was disappointing and at that point we’ve got a mountain to climb, and we huffed and puffed but it wasn’t enough.

“We know the magnitude of the changes we’ve made this summer and we had a new set of players today.

“We were trying to win a league game against a team which has been together for a significant amount of time and knows how to function.

“I’m not trying to blame that for the result, I just thought there were two key moments and we didn’t get them right.

“It was a frustrating day for us and I didn’t think Preston needed to play well to win.

“We know how much has changed at the club and it’s been a baptism of fire; there’s so much churn and it’s hard to get any continuity.

“What will happen in the next few games is we’ll find where people are in the pecking order so that will become clearer.”

Cameron Dawson was the Owls’ other hero, saving a second-half penalty from Ryan Mmaee as Wednesday extended their unbeaten run to three games.

“Sacked in the morning” were the chants aimed at Potter boss Alex Neil after Musaba broke away to fire the ball past City’s rookie keeper Tommy Simkin.

A day after his 19th birthday and recalled recently from a loan spell at National League side Solihull Moors, the teenager could do nothing to prevent Wednesday’s priceless winner which saw them leapfrog South Yorkshire rivals Rotherham.

In contrast, opposite number Dawson kept out Mmaee’s 64th-minute spot- kick as City failed to win for a sixth successive game to up the pressure on disconsolate Neil.

Danny Rohl’s team have now collected seven points from a possible nine as they won away from home for the first time this season.

The game certainly came to life after a miserable opening period.

Bookings for Wednesday pair Akin Famewo and Marvin Johnson plus Stoke’s Wouter Burger were the lowlights of an opening half devoid of goalmouth action.

Simkin could not have wished for an easier introduction to his Championship career, comfortably saving a Di’Shon Bernard header when eventually called upon.

And apart from punching away a deflected Lyndon Gooch shot, Dawson was equally unemployed.

The growing dissatisfaction among home fans manifested itself with half-time boos.

The mood did not improve as Wednesday were an upright away from taking the lead in front of their travelling supporters.

Fortunately for Stoke, George Byers could not squeeze his effort inside Simkin’s left post.

Eventually, there was home applause, albeit sarcastic in nature, when Josh Laurent fired wide after 55 minutes. The skipper’s attempt was followed by: a chant of “We had a shot’ from the Boothen End.

Dawson did well to block Bae Jun-ho’s close-range effort soon after Mmaee shot wide, while Burger had another chance blocked.

Then came a rare moment of drama as referee David Coote adjudged Famewo had pushed Laurent in the six yard box

It looked soft from a Wednesday perspective. Dawson though came to the rescue by diving to his left to keep out Mmaee’s equally tame effort.

Little had been seen of Wednesday as an attacking force in the second half until substitute Michael Ihiekwe headed wide from Will Vaulks’ 71st-minute corner.

Stoke continued to carve out the better chances and Gooch’s raking cross from the right was met by Mmaee who could only poke his close-range effort into the gloves of grateful Dawson.

Michael Rose almost broke the stalemate but he was spared the embarrassment of an own goal as his clearance drifted wide for a visitors’ corner.

But two minutes into stoppage time Djeidi Gassama threaded the ball through for match winner Musaba.

The Potters had the better chances, but they had to hold on for dear life after Jordan Thompson was sent off in the second half.

Schumacher took over the reins at the Staffordshire club last month and they are now six unbeaten; but with only one win in the past two months.

“I’m really pleased and proud of the players,” reflected Schumacher. “They put some effort in for the fourth game in a row in 10 days against a tough team.

“I’m really proud of them because we’ve managed to get a result which I felt we deserved.

“We played really well for 20-25 minutes and caused lots of problems. We couldn’t get ourselves in front.

“I felt just before the red card we were back on top, but the red card changed it.

“For 25 minutes, we’ve had to dig deep and fight for a point. Thankfully the lads have done that and I’m really pleased. They deserved it.

“The team spirit is the most pleasing aspect. It shouldn’t be easy to come here and play. We need to make it a tough game and it should be a tough place to play and it should be.

“The atmosphere was brilliant. The fans got behind us when we really needed them for the last five or ten minutes there.

“I’m really pleased, we got a result because we played really well.”

Ipswich remained in the top two despite going a fifth game without a win – their longest such streak in the league since April 2022.

Tractor Boys’ boss Kieran McKenna rued a big chance after his side failed to make the most of the man advantage.

He said: “We would have liked to have won. But I saw a lot of good things in the performance.

“With the schedule it doesn’t make it any easier, but I saw a lot of good things.

“It was a tough start. But after that we controlled the game really well and stayed brave.

“We got into some really good situations, but we were a first touch or half a yard away from getting a goal.

“We weren’t able to quite do enough after they went down to 10 men. It’s an advantage, but in other ways they were open and there was space to attack when they had 11.

“The crowd weren’t necessarily with them, but them the sending off galvanised them around that a little bit.

“They defended their box in numbers, but we weren’t able to do enough at the end of the game.

“That’s a frustration, but as a collective and individually there were a lot of good things.”

The 39-year-old had ended a four-year association with Plymouth to make the move to the Potters on Tuesday.

And his opening match was promising albeit also frustrating as Stoke failed to make their dominance count.

Stoke are now winless in nine games dating back to October, with only one goal scored at home in their last five outings.

Meanwhile, Millwall’s dismal run under new manager Joe Edwards continued as they fell to a sixth straight game without victory.

After penning a three-and-a-half year contract in the Potteries, the incoming Schumacher was given a rapturous reception by the locals.

Stoke, who had secured only nine victories in 30 home league games under the outgoing Alex Neil, have tasked their new boss with improving that record.

Despite a slow start to proceedings, the hosts gradually grew into the fixture against Millwall as they grew in confidence.

The first effort was produced by Ki-Jana Hoever, who fired over the target following intricate play.

Shortly after the half-hour mark, Stoke had their first shot on target with Ryan Mmaee threatening an opener.

The forward advanced with purpose and his powerful strike forced a smart save from former Potter Matija Sarkic, who spent last season on loan at the club.

Millwall had scored only three first-half goals in Edwards’ first six games in charge and the visitors continued to struggle in front of goal.

Jake Cooper’s weak header in stoppage time proved to be the Lions’ solitary effort on goal in a tame opening period.

Schumacher’s half-time instructions prompted a response from his new side as Stoke took control of the match after the restart.

The attack-minded Hoever again found himself in a promising position early in the second period, but his drilled strike was saved by Sarkic.

With Millwall entrenched in their own box, the home outfit continued to pile on the pressure and a deflected Andre Vidigal strike nearly trickled in.

The lively Mmaee had the best chance to break the deadlock when he found a yard of space, but a heroic Wes Harding block ensured the scores remained level.

Despite their second-half authority, Stoke’s efforts ultimately proved to be in vain as Schumacher failed to mark his arrival with victory.

Millwall nearly struck an unlikely winner as they registered their first shot on target with the last kick of the game, but Aidomo Emakhu was thwarted by Jack Bonham.

The Lions’ woes continue, with Edwards’ only win coming in his first game in charge back on November 11.

The home side took a fifth-minute lead when Stoke dithered over clearing Kal Naismith’s near-post corner from the right and Sam Bell pounced to fire a low left-footed shot past Mark Travers from a narrow angle.

It was 2-0 after 15 minutes, Nahki Wells intercepting an under-hit back pass to Travers from Ki-Jana Hoever and taking his time before clipping a right-footed shot past the exposed Stoke goalkeeper.

Stoke reduced the arrears five minutes later, Mehdi Leris picking out the top corner with a sweet left-footed drive from outside the box.

Two minutes after the break the Potters were level, Sead Haksabanovic firing low past Max O’Leary from a Hoever cross.

The comeback was complete in the 89th minute as Lowe arrived unmarked at the far post to slot home a right-wing cross, sending the 1,600 travelling fans behind the goal into raptures.

The hosts made a fast start, Jason Knight heading over a first-minute cross from Cameron Pring and Bell testing Travers with a low third-minute shot.

They soon raced into a two-goal lead and looked to be on course for a comfortable victory, with Stoke struggling to contain the front three of Bell, Wells and Mark Sykes.

It was a bolt from the blue when Leris pulled a goal back, but for the rest of the half the visitors raised their game and had an equal share of possession.

Hoever made some amends for his earlier error by making a goal-saving challenge on Bell as the young striker looked to get on the end of a right-wing cross to the far post.

Bristol City were finding it harder to create openings, but Wells should have done better in first-half stoppage time when, unchallenged 25 yards out, he sent a wild shot high and wide.

Stoke began the second half strongly with Haksabanovic’s leveller.

Four minutes after setting up the goal, Hoever produced another timely challenge on Bell to prevent the hosts going back in front.

Home boss Nigel Pearson made a quadruple substitution after 53 minutes, sending on Andreas Weimann, Harry Cornick and Ephraim Yeboah to replace his front line and Taylor Gardner-Hickman to take over from George Tanner at right-back.

The replacements made a quick impact and Cornick went close at the end of a spell of pressure. Then Ben Pearson’s timely challenge denied Yeboah as he prepared to shoot from eight yards.

It was end-to-end stuff as Stoke’s Daniel Johnson shot straight at O’Leary and Cornick was denied by a diving save from Travers.

The match looked set to end all square, but Lowe had other ideas as he put the finishing touches to an impressive Stoke fightback.

The Baggies stretched their unbeaten run to nine but it was a case of what could have been for Carlos Corberan’s side, who could have further cemented their play-off spot with victory at the bet365 Stadium.

Celtic loanee Mikey Johnston and Jed Wallace put the visitors two goals to the good with strikes either side of half-time.

But Million Manhoef grabbed one back before Andre Vidigal levelled with the rebound after Alex Palmer saved his penalty.

Stoke are now four points clear of the drop after picking up five points from their last three.

Steven Schumacher freshened up his side after Monday’s draw against Huddersfield with a quartet of changes.

Three of them were in attacking areas as Manhoef, Sead Haksabanovic and Ryan Mmaee returned to the starting line-up along with defender Enda Stevens.

Meanwhile, Corberan made three changes as Cedric Kipre, Grady Diangana and captain Jed Wallace replaced Semi Ajayi, John Swift and Tom Fellows after the draw with Watford.

Baggies stopper Palmer had to be alert early on to keep out Haksabanovic’s strike after he skipped past a defender.

Palmer was quick off his line to deny Mmaee one-on-one, before Haksabanovic fired wide from a tight angle.

For all of the Potters’ good work, it was the visitors who took the lead in the 24th minute. Johnston broke the deadlock with his seventh goal since making the switch from the Scottish giants as he smashed home at the near post after being found by Diangana.

Down the other end, Stevens came close to drawing the hosts back level as he struck wide of the mark.

And Mmaee did the same after he was exceptionally found by a ball over the top from captain Josh Laurent.

After the break, the Morocco international drove his way into the box and forced Palmer into action, but he went down injured soon after and was replaced by Tyrese Campbell.

Wallace doubled the lead just before the hour mark as Daniel Iversen could only push Brandon Thomas-Asante’s cross into his path.

Vidigal and Wouter Burger were hauled on by Schumacher in a desperate attempt to get something from the game.

Vidigal linked up with fellow substitute Campbell as the dragged his effort wide.

But the hosts halved the deficit with little over 20 minutes to go when Dutchman Ki-Jana Hoever flicked the ball into compatriot Manhoef’s path and he made no mistake as he buried his first goal for the club.

Substitute Yann M’Vila gave away a penalty when he brought down Campbell inside the box with 13 minutes left.

Palmer kept out Vidigal’s spot-kick but the Portuguese forward made no mistake from the follow-up to level.

Albion’s big chance came in the seventh minute of stoppage time as Andreas Weimann, an 87th-minute substitute, poked wide.

Alex Neil’s side had beaten Sunderland and Leeds in the seven days prior to their trip to Teesside, and they claimed another notable scalp as their surge up the table continued.

Michael Rose’s early headed effort from a corner opened the scoring, with Mehdi Leris adding a second goal with an angled finish shortly before the interval.

Middlesbrough struck the crossbar through a long-range strike from Josh Coburn, but Michael Carrick’s side delivered an off-colour display as they suffered a first defeat since mid-September.

Stoke were the better side from the off, with Dwight Gayle coming close to opening the scoring in the second minute when he latched onto Luke McNally’s floated through ball, only to scuff his effort at goal.

Six minutes later, however, and the visitors were claiming the lead as the Middlesbrough defence failed to deal with a corner.

Sead Haksabanovic delivered the ball from the right, and after peeling off Matt Crooks, Rose found the net with a near-post header.

Seny Dieng might well feel he should have done better, with the Middlesbrough goalkeeper getting his hand to the ball but only succeeding in helping it into the net.

Stoke remained the dominant force and almost doubled their lead on the quarter-hour mark when Leris’ one-two with Ki-Jana Hoever sent him racing towards the edge of the 18-yard box, only for his tame shot to be saved by Dieng.

Haksabanovic threatened midway through the first half, firing a shot wide from 20 yards after Josh Laurent flicked the ball into his path, and Stoke’s superiority was rewarded with a second goal eight minutes before the break.

Daniel Johnson rolled the ball into Leris’ path on the right of the area and the Algeria international drilled a slick low finish into the far corner.

Boro had not created anything of note at that stage, but they finally sparked into life through Coburn shortly before the interval.

The youngster fired in a shot that was saved by Stoke goalkeeper Jack Bonham before hammering another long-range effort against the crossbar after picking up a loose ball and driving towards the edge of the box.

Jonny Howson fired a shot wide as the home side tried to rally at the start of the second half, but Stoke almost scored a third goal when Gayle teed up Haksabanovic in the area, only for Dieng to save the Celtic loanee’s side-footed shot.

Stoke’s clean sheet was confirmed with four minutes remaining when Bonham got down to produce an excellent save as he turned substitute Morgan Rogers’ flicked effort around a post.

The hosts continued their resurgence following three successive wins, while the Bluebirds dropped out of the top six despite a third outing without defeat.

Cardiff forward Callum Robinson looked to continue his rich vein of form against Stoke and came closest to a decider, but his deflected effort was pushed on to the post.

The Potters’ best opportunities fell to Dwight Gayle, who blazed wide and was then denied by Jak Alnwick, both before the interval.

Despite a high tempo end to the fixture, neither side could find a decisive moment of quality to clinch victory.

Cardiff started promisingly as they looked to consolidate their position in the SkyBet Championship play-offs.

Inside six minutes, the travelling Bluebirds had their first effort on goal with Mark McGuinness heading straight at Jack Bonham.

A lively Robinson, who had scored three goals in as many games versus Stoke in his career, also came close early on.

The Republic of Ireland international nearly pounced on a slack Michael Rose back-pass, but an alert Bonham rushed out to diffuse the danger.

Robinson then nearly turned provider when his enticing free-kick delivery wreaked havoc, only for Yakou Meite to head wide from close range.

And Erol Bulut’s side sustained their control beyond the half-hour mark with McGuinness again going close with a glancing header.

The Potters gradually grew into the tie and threatened to snatch the advantage against the run of play.

A delicate Wouter Burger ball found Gayle in a promising position, but the forward snatched at his chance and dragged wide.

The hosts finished the half strongly thanks to Mehdi Leris and Gayle, with the latter denied by stopper Alnwick.

Cardiff nearly broke the deadlock prior to the interval when Robinson’s cutback wrongfooted Bonham, but the Stoke stopper tipped on to the post.

The visitors’ threat was not swayed by the break as Bulut’s outfit continued to impose themselves after the restart.

Karlan Grant nearly notched his second goal of the season after the hour mark, but his strike on the swivel drifted agonisingly wide.

Like the first period, the hosts began slowly but Michael Rose’s free header from a corner handed the Bluebirds a warning sign.

As the clock ticked on and legs began to tire, Alex Neil’s side flexed their attacking muscle but Josh Laurent blazed a volley harmlessly over the target.

And their wastefulness was almost punished in stoppage time by Ryan Wintle, who saw a goal-bound strike stopped impressively by Bonham.

The midfielder’s right-footed effort just before half-time proved the difference at the bet365 Stadium as Russell Martin’s side built on their weekend win over Leeds, while the Potters slipped to their fifth loss in seven Championship games.

Stoke’s Ben Pearson unleashed the evening’s first effort but did not trouble Gavin Bazunu, before Sead Haksabanovic sliced wide as the hosts began brightly.

Kamaldeen Sulemana’s dangerous 18th-minute cross after getting past Ki-Jana Hoever from the left flank could not find a Saints player to finish.

Haksabanovic’s clever flick played in youngster Nathan Lowe – making his first Stoke start after netting Saturday’s winner against Bristol City – but Kyle Walker-Peters arrived to make a crucial challenge.

Southampton responded with a flowing counter-attack but Sulemana should have done better with it as he blasted into the stands.

Mehdi Leris robbed Ryan Manning and his teasing 24th-minute cross was met by Lowe, who headed into the ground before Bazunu claimed, while Adam Armstrong dragged wide at the other end not long after.

Stoke’s Lowe crossed from the left with 10 minutes of the first half remaining but his delivery was behind Leris, who would have had a simple finish.

The visitors broke the deadlock four minutes before the break as Stuart Armstrong’s sublime 25 yard free-kick flew past Mark Travers.

Junior Tchamadeu cut in from the right and unleashed a low effort which sailed just off target as the hosts sought a quick equaliser.

Adam Armstrong’s pinpoint cross found the goalscorer after the break but Burnley loanee Luke McNally’s vital block denied the midfielder’s header.

Sulemana forced Travers into action with a low 55th-minute block with his leg after the winger glided into the box, as Carlos Alcaraz headed the resulting corner into the goalkeeper’s arms.

At the other end, Daniel Johnson forced a save from Bazunu as the hosts’ penalty calls after Lowe went down under Jan Bednarek’s challenge went unanswered.

Leris’ teasing cross with 15 minutes to go was met by Stoke substitute Wesley but he could not find the target as the hosts sought an equaliser.

Sekou Mara could have doubled Southampton’s advantage after being picked out by fellow substitute Joe Aribo but slammed an 83rd-minute effort wide.

Will Smallbone nodded over Manning’s corner as full-time approached, before Stoke substitute Wouter Burger forced Bazunu to parry away a fierce injury-time effort at the other end.

Southampton successfully navigated 10 minutes added time after a lengthy stoppage due to injury for Stoke’s Ben Wilmot as Martin’s side emerged victorious.

Beale was under-fire after three straight defeats in all competitions and his problems deepened ahead of Saturday’s Championship game when Sunderland released a club statement claiming key midfielder Alex Pritchard had made himself unavailable for selection and “expressed his desire to leave with immediate effect”.

But the Black Cats managed to put those troubles to one side and are now only outside the play-off places on goal difference after an impressive home victory against the Potters.

Chelsea loanee Mason Burstow scored his first goal of the season before Abdoullah Ba – who replaced Pritchard in the team – added a second after the break. Midfielder Pierre Ekwah scored Sunderland’s third before Stoke managed a consolation through a Jenson Seelt own-goal.

“I’m delighted with the players and for them,” said Beale.

“The work ethic of the boys and togetherness behind the scenes, it’s been a difficult few weeks with the last two or three results, but it was a really good win today.

“It’s been an interesting start to (my time at) the club, hasn’t it? There’s a lot of emotion.

“I’m all in for the club. I want to be here for the long term and it’s important that my team and our team go on the pitch and put in performances that fans can get behind.

“Today they did. It’s one performance, we want to build on it.”

Pritchard’s Sunderland contract is due to expire in the summer but the midfielder might have played his last game for the club.

Beale said: “It’s been ongoing to be honest, not just the last 24 hours. He’s a boy who is coming up to the end of his contract and he’s been offered one, I think mentally it has got a bit much for him. Let’s keep the focus on the players who played today.”

Beale wants to sign a striker before Thursday’s transfer deadline but is hoping Burstow can build on his first Sunderland goal.

He said: “I’m delighted for Mason tonight and let’s hope it’s a chance for him now to really kick on.”

Steven Schumacher enjoyed a five-match unbeaten run after leaving Plymouth to take charge of Stoke but the Potters have now lost two games on the bounce and remain 19th in the Championship.

“I felt we played well, controlled large parts of the game and got into some really good areas and created loads of big chances but weren’t clinical enough,” said Schumacher.

“We haven’t got that belief in the final third. To miss the target as we did today is unacceptable and Sunderland punished us with their moments and their quality players.

“To have 37 shots in the last two games – and big opportunities – to not work the keeper as often as we are is just not good enough. And you’re not going to win games at this level like that.

“We had big chances before all three of their goals. It’s disappointing and frustrating but we have to keep going.”

The forward broke his duck in his 14th appearance for the club before Abdoullah Ba and Pierre Ekwah also scored to end the hosts’ run of three straight defeats in all competitions and move them level on points with sixth-placed Coventry in the Championship.

A Jenson Seelt own-goal was a mere consolation for Stoke, who remained 19th after their second straight loss.

Some Sunderland fans chanted for Beale to be sacked during last week’s defeat to Hull and the problems deepened for the former Rangers boss this week, with the Black Cats publishing a statement before kick-off on Saturday claiming midfielder Alex Pritchard had “made himself unavailable to play and expressed his desire to leave with immediate effect”.

But Beale and the Black Cats put those issues to one side against Steven Schumacher’s visitors.

The hosts were the brighter of the two sides from the off and had two good chances to break the deadlock in the opening quarter of an hour.

Jack Clarke has been the shining light for Sunderland this season and he could have added to his 13 goals when he blazed over from inside the box. Moments later, the former Tottenham and Leeds winger teed up midfielder Ekwah, who tried to catch out Stoke goalkeeper Daniel Iversen at his front post but hit the side-netting.

Stoke’s best chance of the first half came 10 minutes before the break. Midfielder Luke Cundle was denied by Anthony Patterson after a rampaging run from defender Ben Wilmot. The Potters kept the move alive and Bae Jun-ho looked certain to score only for Luke O’Nien to come to Sunderland’s rescue with a superb goal-line clearance.

Sunderland broke the deadlock two minutes before half-time. Dangerman Clarke darted down the left flank, his cross looped into the air and Ba nodded into the path of Burstow to bundle home his first goal of the season from close range.

Tyrese Campbell had a chance to level for Stoke just 22 seconds after the restart but lacked composure and ballooned his shot over the bar – and Sunderland quickly made the Potters pay.

Clarke was again involved, cutting in from the left after a rapid counter and teeing up Ba, who kept his cool and slotted home.

Ba created the third 20 minutes from time, picking out Ekwah, who found the bottom the corner from inside the box.

Stoke scored what proved to be a consolation four minutes later when a cross from ex-Sunderland defender Lynden Gooch was turned into his own net by Seelt.

After a turbulent week that saw John Eustace replace Jon Dahl Tomasson as head coach, Blackburn put in an encouraging display, epitomised by scoring three goals in the first 37 minutes.

Dolan converted a seventh-minute opener from close range before Sammie Szmodics headed in his 22nd of the campaign 13 minutes later.

Dolan’s composed finish seemingly put the game beyond Stoke, but Niall Ennis marked his full debut after his deadline-day move from Blackburn by scoring his first for the club before half-time.

Daniel Johnson spurned a glorious chance early in the second half as his poor penalty was saved and, despite Stoke’s possession, Rovers’ defence deprived the visitors of any real opportunities to win their first league game since mid-December.

Steven Schumacher made eight changes for this clash but it made no difference in a woeful first half where the game was lost and Stoke are two places and three points above the drop zone after a fourth straight defeat.

Dolan gave the new era lift off in the seventh minute, but the architect was Callum Brittain whose sumptuous first-time cross put the chance on a plate for him to slot home from six yards at the far post, and Sam Gallagher went close to doubling the advantage in the 14th minute but slotted just wide.

Stoke failed to learn their lesson and were further behind in the 20th minute after Brittain was again given time to superbly cross and Ryan Hedges nodded across goal for Szmodics to thump his header into the roof of the net.

The away supporters were irate after Rovers scored a simple third in the 37th minute when a long ball was flicked on by Gallagher, sending Dolan racing clear on the right with just Daniel Iversen to beat and he made no mistake, burying his shot into the left corner.

Stoke had hope two minutes later when Bae Jun-ho’s flick-on found Ennis in the area and he showed excellent composure to step inside his man and find the left corner.

It gave the visitors some impetus and they carved out a golden opportunity to reduce the deficit further just after the break when Brittain hauled down Andre Vidigal in the area.

Johnson stepped up to take the penalty but Aynsley Pears guessed the right way and saved before Rovers cleared.

The visitors were in the ascendency and Ben Wilmot shot straight at Pears, but Blackburn displayed defensive solidity that has been missing to expertly see the game out.

First Potters league goals for Ryan Mmaee and Luke McNally either side of Jack Clarke’s leveller secured a first home win since August to help Stoke open up a five-point gap above the relegation zone.

Neil, who left Sunderland last year to take over at Stoke, said: “I am really pleased. We needed the win, irrespective of who we were playing against.

“The [Sunderland] fans were always going to fire a few shots at me, which is fine and I get it.

“But for our lads, the club and our supporters, we needed a bit of optimism, a good performance and certainly three points under our belt.”

Mmaee opened the scoring inside seven minutes but Championship top scorer Clarke equalised for high-flying Sunderland moments later.

The hosts regained the lead shortly after the interval when McNally headed home a deep Daniel Johnson corner.

And, despite a late Black Cats onslaught, Stoke held on to earn only their fourth league win of the campaign.

Neil added: “We’re a team very much in transition and that’s frustrating because the nature of the Championship is you need to win games.

“I think the fans understand where we are as a club; you want your club to win games and you want to be successful and push on up the league.

“But I think we need to recognise where we currently are and that we do have great potential.

“Naturally Sunderland piled pressure on at the end and they’re the best games to win when you really need to dig in, so it’s really satisfying.

“At the end of the day, the proof’s in the pudding and you need to do it on the pitch, but I thought against a really good side, we more than matched them.

“We’ve got some tough games coming up so today was a good day for us.”

It was a frustrating afternoon for the visitors, who were denied a fourth successive away league victory as they slipped to sixth in the table.

The best efforts of Clarke and co could not prevent Sunderland from falling to a second defeat in a row, but they remain in the play-offs.

“It was a frustrating day for us and we didn’t start either half well enough,” said boss Tony Mowbray.

“It’s almost like you need a slap before you react to the fight.

“We talked about trying to be ready for the physical confrontation and we fell a little bit short today in that aspect.

“We created enough chances today not to lose the match but we fell below par for the way we play and what we do.

“Not just for the goals; it looks like a blatant handball the first one and then it’s frustrating for any football team to concede from a corner.

“In our defence, we’ve only had one training day with the team that started today so it’s probably understandable that we weren’t at our fluent best.

“We’re a young team; coming to Stoke City is never easy and they have to learn that intensity, aggression and closing down is all part of the game.

“You either stand up to it and play around it or you succumb, and I think we weren’t brave enough.

“Were they hanging on at the end? Maybe. Should we have scored? Yeah, but we didn’t so it goes in the history books as 2-1 and we have to live with it.”