Erik Pieters's 42nd-minute strike has given Stoke City the half-time lead against Newcastle United at the Britannia Stadium.
The home side went close inside the first 10 minutes when Peter Crouch struck the post after rising highest from Marko Arnautovic's cross.
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Newcastle hit back immediately as Shola Ameobi knocked down Vurnon Anita's cross, but Dan Gosling could only fire over the bar when well placed.
The visitors had a decent shout for a penalty waved away when Papiss Cisse went down under a challenge from Geoff Cameron on 24 minutes.
Arnautovic, who has looked lively throughout, played in Steven Nzonzi, and the midfielder's shot was deflected over for a corner with goalkeeper Tim Krul looking beaten in the visitors' goal.
The Austrian was again instrumental in setting up Peter Odemwingie and the Nigerian forward somehow managed to miss the completely with a wild swipe on the half-hour mark.
Paul Gorst
