Crewe survived the first half by the skin of their teeth as Stoke unleashed attack after attack on a frightened defence. Ade Akinbiyi had the first real key chance after being put through but Clayton Ince was quickly out to make an excellent block.
David Brammer also had a 25 yard effort going over the bar.
In the second half, Stoke continued their heavy pressure on the Crewe goal and that vital goal came from Gifton Noel-Williams. Ade Akinbiyi, who was instromental in the potters' onslaught layed off the ball perfectly to Marcus Hall, who crossed the ball with precision into the center of the penalty area where Gifton was well positioned and he managed to head the ball powerfully into the back of the net.
For the remeinder of the second half, Crewe themselves had spells of pressure, 2 of which went high over the bar, but a couple coming close to an equaliser as Stoke sat back and absorbed the pressure. Wayne Thomas played an excellent role in cleaning up at the back whilst Michael Duberry was equally as strong.
Overall, whilst Crewe threatened a late equaliser, it was Stoke who deserved to win the game. With their persistant attack for 63 minutes of the game Stoke never gave up looking for that goal and faught to defend their lead once they had got it.
A nail-biting finish with the referee deciding not to signal any time-added on even though he played 3 but a very entertaining fixture leading to Stoke's 2nd only win in 11 games.