DRAMATIC LATE WINNER SEALS A VITAL THREE POINTS

STOKE City have taken a crucial step towards Championship survival by winning a tense six-pointer against league rivals Cardiff.

- Peter Smith

An own goal from Will Fish in the 85th minute after a Junior Tchamadeu long throw had sparked chaos in the Cardiff penalty area was the moment that proved the difference between two sides who are fighting for their lives at the bottom.

Only two points had separated them before kick-off - and only four games are remaining now - but now there is a gap of five points and Stoke also have a three-team buffer between themselves and the three in the relegation zone.

It was an afternoon full of anxiety and, if Stoke perhaps had the better chances, it could have swung either way until that late decisive moment.

It does not mean by any stretch that Stoke are safe, but the away end celebrated in recognition of the significance of this result.

Mark Robins had made one change to his starting XI as Ali Al-Hamadi was brought in to lead the line in place of Sam Gallagher, who dropped to the bench.

The team was otherwise unchanged from draws with Luton and Preston in their two previous games.

Ben Gibson, who was ill, was replaced by Bosun Lawal on the bench.

Stoke, backed by a vociferous away following of more than 1,600, should have probably taken the lead in the fifth minute.