Andy Cooke scored with 10 minutes remaining to give Stoke a vital three points that saw then leapfrog opponents Ipswich in the Division One table.

The home side, who started the game fourth from bottom, began brightly and took the lead through Belarus international Sergei Shtaniuk's on 17 minutes.

The giant defender rose highest to nod Bjarni Gudjonsson's free-kick past Ipswich goalkeeper Andy Marshall and put the struggling Potters in command.

However, Ipswich came back strongly and restored parity through a scrambled effort, which was credited to Matt Holland, but looked like an own goal by Gunnarsson.

But then, as the game headed for a draw, a swift break by Stoke against the run of play saw Andy Cooke poke home from close range and seal the points.

Stoke dominated the first 45 minutes, with Cooke and Jurgen Vandeurzen the first to test Ipswich.

Town's lacklustre start continued as the home side were straight back on the attack after Shtaniuk's opener.

Substitutions

Mooney fired wide in the 22nd minute, and three minutes later Gudjonsson's cross was headed over the bar by Cooke.

Ipswich improved after the interval, mainly due to manager George Burley's tactical changes.

Alun Armstrong, who had had a quiet game, was replaced by Darren Bent and midfielder Tommy Miller made way for the experienced Jim Magilton.

The Tractor Boys immediately began to look increasingly threatening.

Spaniard Counago tested Cutler with a strong header just after the hour, Bent put a shot wide of the post and Holland wasted a good chance.

The equaliser came when Holland's shot deflected off Gunnarsson, and for a while after the visitors were dominant.

But their comeback was denied when Cooke netted his fourth goal of the season.

Stoke: Cutler, Thomas, Handyside, Shtanuk, Clarke, Gudjonsson, O'Connor, Gunnarsson, Vandeurzen, Mooney, Cooke. Subs: Viander, Hoekstra, Iwelumo, Henry, Commons.

Ipswich: Marshall, McGreal, Venus, Hreidarsson, Clapham, Holland, Ambrose, Wilnis, Miller, Armstrong, Counago. Subs: Pullen, Magilton, Marcus Bent, Brown, Darren Bent.

Referee: A Butler (Nottinghamshire).