Liam Lawrence all but guaranteed Stoke's Premier League survival with a vital 75th-minute winner against Blackburn Rovers on Saturday.
Stoke had the better of the chances in both halves at the Britannia Stadium, but it took until 15 minutes from time for the hosts to make the breakthrough.
James Beattie headed Danny Higginbotham's deep cross from the left wing towards Lawrence who was lurking on the right-hand side of the penalty area.
Lawrence took a touch on his right foot to turn inside Gael Givet before lashing a left-footed shot past Paul Robinson at his near post.
The keeper got his left hand to the strike, but he did not get enough behind it to stop it squirming under his body.
The win moves Stoke onto 39 points, eight points clear of the relegation zone and seven ahead of Newcastle who have a game in hand.
Rovers meanwhile drop to 17th place - just one above the drop zone - and remain on 34 points, just three from safety.
It was Stoke's first top-flight victory over Rovers at home for 44 years and extended their unbeaten home run to seven matches - which has been the key to their success in their maiden Premier League season.
Highlight:
Stoke city v Blackburn Rovers
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