Stoke City boss Tony Pulis was delighted with their 1-0 victory over Middlesbrough.

Ryan Shawcross' third goal of the season six minutes from time ensured Boro remain struggling in 19th place in the Barclays Premier League.

Rory Delap's long right-wing throw into the penalty area was perfectly directed and the centre-back escaped his marker, ran in front of three defenders and glanced a header into the far corner of the net.

"We worked very hard today, Middlesbrough are a good side with some very good individual players," he said.

"They have been in the Premier League a long time and have quality so we had to be patient and stick in there and a clean sheet was enormous for us.

"That is the first time we have scored direct off a long throw since the beginning of the season.

"I think we scored eight in 13 or 14 games and after that it dried up so we are oiling Rory up again to make sure we get that quality. It is a great weapon."