Stoke advanced into the fourth round of the Carabao Cup with a narrow win over League One Gillingham.
Tyrese Campbell scored the decisive goal, placing a low effort into the bottom left corner after latching on to Jordan Thompson's superb pass.
The hosts more than merited their win, dominating from start to finish as Northern Ireland midfielder Thompson pulled the strings.
Stoke travel to Bristol City or Aston Villa in the fourth round.
All ties are due to take place in the week commencing 28 September.
With Jack Butland again absent for Stoke, manager Michael O'Neill named nine of the team that started their second-round win at Wolves.