Tony Pulis' Stoke City are still not safe from the drop as Dele Adebola's late strike gave Crystal Palace a rare home win.
It was tough luck on the Potters, who set their stall out from the very beginning for the point needed to ensure First Division football next season.
But a lapse of concentration eight minutes from time ruined all their afternoon's endeavours when they allowed Tommy Black to take a free-kick to pick out Dougie Freedman, whose cross into the goalmouth was swept home by Adebola for Palace's second win in front of their fans since the turn of the year.
Stoke rarely threatened with just three shots in the entire game, but they had the best two chances with Shaun Derry clearing off the line in the first half and a glaring miss from Andrew Cooke 15 minutes from the end with only Alex Kolinko to beat.
Stoke must now get at least a point next week against Reading or rely on Brighton not winning at already relegated Grimsby.
Potters manager Pulis said after the game: "It was a typical performance from us, we worked and tried to create chances, the boys really tried hard.
"The lads are gutted plus it's really disappointing, but the lads are professionals so they will weather this one.
"The Reading game is going to be nerve-wracking and exciting. It will be very tense, but it's in our hands and that's a good thing.
"We will go at Reading and try to create chances and win the game."