Stoke Handed Lifeline Over QPR

Going into the game both sides had been poor in their own ways all season; Stoke have had their problems attacking wise having only scored 28 goals all season which was the lowest in the premier league, meanwhile Qpr have has their problems defending having conceded a huge 63 goals which was also the worst in the premier league.

After a rather quiet first half Stoke did open the scoring in added time in the first half as Stoke broke on a quick counter attack after Redknapp's men were wasteful on a set piece which summed up the say for QPR. Marc Wilson won a tackleand sent a decent ball down the line which Cameron Jerome latched onto and waited for the support of Crouch who side footed the drilled ball into the back of the net to give Stoke an unusual 1-0 lead going into the break.

QPR began the second half the brighter of the two sides but lacked the cutting edge to find them a much needed goal

The R's did create a good chance when forward Loic Remy jinked past two Stoke defenders but saw his powerful effort well saved by in-demand Stoke keeper Asmir Begovic.

Stoke secured the win when Peter Crouch was pulled down in the QPR box by Clint Hill and referee Chris Foy pointed to the spot and Jon Walters converted at the second time of asking as Chris Foy asked him to retake the penalty.

At the full time whistle it put Stoke 6 points off the drop and with a good goal difference Tony Pulis believes that another 3 points will be enough to ensure another season in the top flight of English football; meanwhile Qpr are all but relegated now and if Aston Villa win at Old Trafford on Monday then it will send the R's to the championship. However Redknapp knows it won't be easy to get promoted back the premier league.

Karl curran. (@currankarl)