Tony Pulis made three changes to the starting eleven following Tuesday night's 1-0 victory at Norwich City.

Liam Lawrence's suspension meant he missed out with Glenn Whelan returning to the heart of midfield.

Ryan Shawcross was also recalled in defence as the City boss opted to go 5-3-2, with Salif Diao dropping to the bench.

Meanwhile, Mamady Sidibe failed a late fitness test so new signing Jay Bothroyd made his first start for the Potters, partnering Ricardo Fuller up front.

The match got off to a slow start with neither looking to want to lose the game, however the visitors were handed the advantage just twenty minutes in as Hornets captain Eustace was sent off.

The former Potter was adjudged to have lunged in with two feet at Cresswell, and Rob Styles immediately branded the red card.

Fulham loanee Collins John had the first real effort of the game minutes later, but after turning inside the penalty area he fired just over the bar.

Fuller then set about on a one man mission to give City the lead, however Ricard Lee palmed his vicious effort around the post.

Both sides continued to push forward, however the two sets of defences were dealing with everything that was thrown at them.

Henderson tried his luck from range, which Nash comfortably gathered, before Ryan Shawcross headed just wide from a Rory Delap throw in.

The Potters returned from the half time interval with Pulis changing to a more attacking outlook.

Paul Gallagher replaced Leon Cort, with Cresswell, Fuller and Bothroyd in attack as the City boss went for the win.

Things got off to a disastorous start though, as Griffin was adjudged to have handled inside the area, and Styles awarded the hosts a dubious penalty.

Henderson, who missed a spot kick against Bristol City in midweek, replicated his strike and Nash saved brilliantly down to his right, much to the delight of the 2,500 travelling Stokies.

The Potters went straight down the other end with Gallagher and Cresswell linking up well, however the former Preston mans cross was cleared by the powerful Danny Shittu.

John Joe O'Toole went close for the hosts in the 67th minute, firing over from a John knockdown.

Both teams looked edgy in the final stages, with neither side wanting to give the game away.

The result ensured the Potters move to the top of the table after Bristol lost at home to Plymouth, while West Brom were thrashed 4-1 at home to Leicester.