Michael Chopra put the npower Championship outfit in front in the eighth minute, the Potters defence allowing him time to head against the post and then slot home the rebound.
Tuncay Sanli made it 1-1 in the 45th minute after latching on to Ricardo Fuller's header, but although the hosts dominated the second period, the teams will meet again at the Cardiff City Stadium on January 18.
"We started the first half very tepid and gave them a goal," Pulis said.
"Then we stepped it up a little bit and Tunny scores a good goal just before half-time.
"I felt as though that was coming and then in the second half it was just wave after wave after wave, but we couldn't score. But there we are - you can't fault the players for their effort and commitment."
Source: PA
Source: PA