Stoke are assured of at least a place in the play-offs after victory over Bristol City moved them into second, two points behind leaders West Brom.
Mamady Sidibe put Stoke ahead in the 14th minute when he headed home Liam Lawrence's precise free-kick.
Stoke dominated and doubled their lead when Ricardo Fuller's flick-on put Sidibe clear for his second.
Dele Adebola headed in Michael McIndoe's corner for City's goal but they could not muster an equaliser.
• Stoke manager Tony Pulis told his club's official website:
"I have said it before but they are really like a twelfth man for us. I thought the crowd were sensational.
"We are in a great position now to get promotion. I am so happy right now.
"But we need to stick together and try to get six points from the last two games if we can."
• Bristol City manager Gary Johnson:
"We were dire in the first half and three or four of the players froze.
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"Some people are naturally disappointed because it looks as though automatic promotion is unlikely.
"What we must do now is make sure we are in the play-offs and then give it our best shot if that is the case."
Stoke: Nash, Riggott, Cort, Shawcross, Dickinson, Lawrence (Wilkinson 90), Delap, Whelan, Cresswell (Pearson 82), Sidibe (Ameobi 88), Fuller. Subs Not Used: Simonsen, Pugh.
Booked: Lawrence, Fuller.
Goals: Sidibe 14, 36.
Bristol City: Basso, Orr, McCombe, Carey, McAllister, Brian Wilson (Noble 46), Elliott (Vasko 88), Skuse, McIndoe, Byfield (Trundle 46), Adebola. Subs Not Used: Weale, Fontaine.
Booked: McIndoe.
Goals: Adebola 67.
Att: 24,475
Ref: Mike Riley (Yorkshire).
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