Stoke moved up to fifth in the Championship as a header from Nathan Collins proved enough to defeat Neil Warnock's Middlesbrough.
The Potters made the better start and were rewarded when the Irish defender headed home Morgan Fox's cross.
They almost doubled their lead when Middlesbrough forward Chuba Akpom inexplicably headed towards his own goal, but Marcus Bettinelli saved.
George Saville's shot against the post was the closest Boro came to a reply.
Stoke overcame the early loss of Sam Clucas to injury to claim back-to-back 1-0 wins and their third consecutive clean sheet.
Collins' header was the first meaningful action, with the defender nodding home after finding himself unmarked in the Boro penalty area.