Tony Pulis was left beaming at his players as Stoke recorded their first away win of the season at West Brom.
The Potters held the worst away record in all four English divisions going into Saturday's game at the Hawthorns, but that did not play on their minds when striker Ricardo Fuller gave them a two minute lead.
On the contrary, Stoke continued to threaten and they got their reward when Fuller's strike-partner James Beattie doubled the Potters' advantage in the 49th minute and Pulis was delighted with his team's display adding: "It was a smashing performance.
"I thought we played really, really well and we created some very good opportunities and we scored a goal at a great time - just after the kick-off - and then James scores another one just after half-time which in effect gave us a good base to play.
"That's a second clean sheet in a row now, which is important for us. We've got seven very tough games coming up and we've just got to make sure we push on from this."
Pulis had high praise for his front-two, who caused West Brom's defence all sorts of problems and reserved special praise for Beattie, who worked tirelessly despite taking several knocks in the first-half.
The former Sheffield United man has been arguably the best signing of the winter transfer window and has contributed six goals to Stoke's survival cause.
"He's been very important, not just his goals, but the way he is around the place," Pulis added.
"He's really lively in the dressing room and the lads have taken to him and long may that continue."
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