Stoke 2-1 Wolves

Goals from Darel Russell and skipper Clive Clarke set up a deserved win for Stoke over promotion hopefuls Wolves.

The home aside took the lead on 55 minutes when Russell pounced on Ade Akinbiyi's knockdown and drilled a sweet strike into the bottom corner.

Stoke made it two when Mark Clyde was penalised for tugging Akinbiyi's shirt and Clarke converted the penalty.

Wolves grabbed a late consolation through Kenny Miller's penalty after Gifton Noel-Williams' handball.

Stoke manager Tony Pulis:
"It was a good performance today, the one concern was that we created a lot of chances in the first half but didn't come in with a goal.

"Akinbiyi looked sharp and stronger and looked close to the striker he was at Wolves.

"But we're not getting carried away because look what happened to Walsall who beat West Brom at the start of last season..

"Our performance for the 90 minutes were good. We were desperate to get points on the board because we've got tough games and needed a good start today."

Wolves manager Dave Jones:
"No doubt all the gloom merchants will now have a go, but the thing was we didn't do enough to win a game of football.

"Too many players on the day didn't do enough which is very unusual for us. We looked very toothless and didn't show commitment or desire to win the game.

"It was a shock to the system because it's not going to be easy and maybe one or two thought it might be.

"Maybe it's a kick up the backside that they needed. We're not in the Premiership and it's a hard division to get out of."

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Stoke: de Goey, Halls, Clarke, Thomas, Taggart, Neal (Henry 79), Hall, Brammer, Russell, Akinbiyi (Greenacre 90), Noel-Williams (Asaba 90). Subs Not Used: Simonsen, Hill.

Goals: Russell 55, Clarke 70 pen.

Booked: Taggart, Noel-Williams.

Wolverhampton: Jones, Clyde, Naylor (Cooper 75), Craddock, Bjorklund (Edwards 63), Newton, Kennedy, Olofinjana, Cameron, Miller, Sturridge (Clarke 45). Subs Not Used: Oakes, Andrews.

Goals: Miller 88 pen.

Booked: Clarke.

Att: 17,066

Ref: A Kaye (W Yorkshire).