LATE STUNNER DOWNS POTTERS IN TENSE BATTLE

STOKE City were edged out of a tense top of the table battle with Coventry thanks to a brilliant late strike from Ephron Mason-Clark.

- Peter Smith

CLOSE ATTENTION: Ben Pearson battles for the ball against Coventry.

Mason-Clark produced a gymnastic finish at a long throw in the 86th minute to finally break the deadlock in what had been a gripping match between first and second with crackling atmosphere at a packed bet365 Stadium.

Million Manhoef had gone closest for the Potters when he swept onto a Sorba Thomas cross in the first half but they couldn't threaten Carl Rushworth enough in the second - although Viktor Johansson might say the same at the other end, even if he had to be brave at times, diving at the feet of Haji Wright and Brandon Thomas-Asante.

It still felt like one moment, a deflected shot or wonder goal, might find a winner and in the end it came for the visitors. Stoke players dropped to their knees in frustration at the full-time whistle before accepting applause from the home stands.

The sellout away end was going bonkers. Coventry move five points clear after 15 games and heading into this international break. Stoke, leapfrogged by Middlesbrough, are now third and it says something that they're kicking themselves for that.