Crouch's early header against Newcastle helps Stoke secure first home PL win

Stoke City striker Peter Crouch's early header helped his side secure a first Premier League home win of the season and increased the pressure on Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew.

Crouch rose to meet a cross from winger Victor Moses from the left in the 15th minute. Newcastle were fortunate not to concede a penalty when Moses was bundled over in the area by Yoan Gouffran.

Stoke forward Marko Arnautovic was denied by a post before Newcastle's Jack Colback thumped against the bar late on to leave the visitors second bottom of the table, The BBC reported.

While Stoke move up to 11th, defeat leaves Newcastle, who have only five league wins since the turn of the year, on three points from their six matches this season and supporters once again took their frustration out on manager Pardew.

Newcastle owner Mike Ashley's lawyers have said that he was joking when he claimed that Pardew would be sacked if his team were defeated at the Britannia Stadium.

Pardew said that there is a lot of pressure on him and that's reflected in the team a little bit but added that the has got to be strong and resilient. He said that his future is out of his hands.

Pardew said that he is a professional manager with a contract and he would continue to lead the team to the best of his ability.

Meanwhile, Stoke manager Mark Hughes said that he wishes Pardew well, adding that it is not easy, as he has been in that situation. He said that all one can do is work hard and the Newcastle boss would be working with his staff to turn things around.

Hughes said that Newcastle played well for Pardew and that would encourage him. He added that Stoke deserved the win on the balance of play, adding that in terms of chances created his side always looked a threat when they broke quickly with pace.