Odemwingie strike maintains Stoke momentum

London: Peter Odemwingie scored for the third game running as Stoke City continued their impressive form with a 1-0 win over Hull City in the Premier League on Saturday.

The Nigeria international struck in the 62nd minute at the Britannia Stadium, seizing on a loose pass from Hull wing-back Ahmed Elmohamady before drilling home from the edge of the box. It was Stoke`s third successive win, taking Mark Hughes`s side to the 40-point mark synonymous with safety from relegation and leaving FA Cup semi-finalists Hull seven points above the bottom three in 14th place. Hull manager Steve Bruce fielded Steve Harper in goal after Allan McGregor damaged his kidneys in the 2-1 mid-week defeat at West Ham United, but opposite number Asmir Begovic was the first goalkeeper to be called into action. Hull striker Shane Long latched onto a long ball and teed up Tom Huddlestone, whose 25-yard drive obliged Begovic to plunge to his right and touch the ball around the post for a corner. The visitors continued to press and in the 13th minute Liam Rosenior squandered a good chance to open the scoring, heading the ball over a gaping goal from Long`s right-wing cross. It was not until shortly before half-time that Stoke first threatened, but Marko Arnautovic`s tame low shot was comfortably saved by Harper. Harper had to save from Odemwingie early in the second half, before Begovic readjusted brilliantly to block a deflected effort from David Meyler at the other end, with Nikica Jelavic putting the rebound wide. Hull appeared to be taking control, but they had a hand in their own downfall as Stoke made the breakthrough with just under half-an-hour to play. Elmohamady`s ambitious crossfield pass went straight to Odemwingie, who tore through the Hull defence before beating Harper with a low shot. Odemwingie threatened to add a second with an overhead kick that flew wide, while Harper had to parry from Stephen Ireland. Hull`s best chance of an equaliser fell to Jelavic with 12 minutes remaining, but he missed his kick from Meyler`s knock-down.