A second-half strike from Jermaine Pennant secured a 1-0 win over West Ham United for Stoke City at Upton Park this afternoon.

The visitors dominated the first half but were unable to break the deadlock before half time.

Kenwyne Jones broke from midfield early on before smashing his shot well high of the cross bar, while a Marc Wilson effort left Jussi Jaaskelainen scrambling.

Modibo Maiga had the best chance in the first half for the Hammers, but his 35th-minute header went just wide.

Winston Reid got the better of Erik Pieters as he looked for a goal shortly after the re-start before heading over the bar, while Steven N'Zonzi attempted to drill the ball in from 30 yards out for the Potters.

Pennant, who came on as a second-half substitute, was finally able to break the deadlock in the final 10 minutes, curling a free kick over the wall, deceiving Jaaskelainen in the West Ham goal.