 Chopra left it late to save his side |
A last-minute goal from Michael Chopra saved a draw for Cardiff, but left both sides struggling for the play-offs. Cardiff started well without troubling Steve Simonsen, and it was Stoke's Carl Hoefkens who got the first goal.
Vincent Pericard and Ricardo Fuller troubled the defence all day and they got the ball to Hoefkens who fired a superb half-volley past David Forde.
The game slipped away, but in the closing moments Steve Thompson's header found Chopra who scored from close in.
The draw ended a four-game losing streak by the Bluebirds, but prevented the visitors from climbing into the play-off spots.
Cardiff manager Dave Jones:
"I thought we deserved a point as we had most of the possession, but we must believe in the way we play. "We are a young side and we have to think that the younger players will learn from their mistakes quickly.
"But if I don't think they will reach the level I require I won't hesitate to shift them out and bring new players in, this club will continue to grow."
Stoke manager Tony Pulis:
"That is the fourth or fifth time a late goal has proved costly. "We had some great chances to add to our lead, but I can't find fault with any of the players as they have all done well.
"We have two home games coming up and they are vital if we want to remain in the hunt."
Cardiff: Forde, McNaughton, Purse (Gilbert 79), Johnson, Gunter, Whittingham, McPhail, Parry (Flood 60), Ledley, Chopra, Thompson.
Subs Not Used: Alexander, Feeney, Blake.
Goals: Chopra 90.
Stoke: Simonsen, Fortune (Griffin 72), Higginbotham, Zakuani, Dickinson, Hoefkens, Eustace, Matteo (Russell 86), Lawrence, Fuller, Pericard (Paterson 76).
Subs Not Used: Hoult, Martin.
Booked: Hoefkens, Fortune.
Goals: Hoefkens 30.
Att: 11,664
Ref: G Laws (Tyne & Wear).
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