STOKE, England (AP) - An accidental goal helped Stoke beat Newcastle 1-0 Saturday in the Premier League with the fourth straight defeat putting more pressure on Magpies coach Alan Pardew.
Erik Pieters scored three minutes before the interval at the Britannia Stadium after his intended cross went over Newcastle goalkeeper Tim Krul and into the net.
It was the Dutch full back’s first goal for Stoke and his first in any competition since he played for FC Utrecht six years ago.
The Potters have never finished in the top 10 in the Premier League before but are now only three points behind Newcastle in ninth and four points short of their record tally of 47 points.
Newcastle has conceded 12 goals in its last four games and scored none.
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