Stoke have notched up their fourth successive league win in a row with a 2-1 victory away at Wolves.
There was controversy early on when Jonathan Woodgate avoided being sent off after fouling Matt Jarvis twice in the first quarter hour. Instead referee Anthony Taylor awarded a penalty, which Stephen Hunt duly converted to give the home side a 1-0 lead. Minutes later Stoke boss Tony Pulis brought off a visibily irritated Woodgate for Jermaine Pennant.
Despite threats of a warning from the Premier League, Stoke persisted in using sewn-on towels as Ryan Shotton was pictured drying off the ball under his shirt on several occasions.
Pulis's side found their equaliser just before the hour mark courtesy of Wolves striker Kevin Doyle, who deflected in a fierce free kick from Robert Huth.
Ten minutes later the visitors edged ahead after Peter Crouch's six-yard header evaded Wolves keeper Wayne Hennessey.
The result leaves Wolves stuck in 17th place in the league, while Stoke tighten their grip on the top eight.
Neil Wilkes
