Goals in either half from Bae Junho and Lewis Baker helped Stoke to a much-needed victory over Middlesbrough at the Bet365 Stadium.
Junho's opener came after both sides squandered early opportunities, with a tidy low finish into the corner.
Then, on 71 minutes, Baker made sure of just a second win in eight games and a vital result in their battle against relegation.
The home side remain 22nd, but are level on points with Huddersfield and Birmingham above them, while Boro, who lost ground in the play-off race, sit 14th.
Both sides traded early opportunities.