It was a close game at the Bet365 Stadium but North End’s no.9 jumped the highest to glance a header from the near post to the far post, coming off the upright to find the back of the net.
The win ended a run of three consecutive defeats for the Lilywhites and shot them back into the top half of the Championship table.
Here’s how we rated the players on the day…
9. Daniel Johnson - 6
It was a bit more like it from Johnson at Stoke, though he was not at his brilliant best he kept the ball well and looked like he had time on it. He still misplaced the odd pass but looked to be more at the game's pace. Photo: CameraSport - Andrew Kearns
10. Alvaro Fernandez - 5
Unfortunately for the young Spaniard, he was not able to hit his usual standards at Stoke. Simple passes were going astray and there was little end product, despite his willingness and unquestionable energy. Photo: CameraSport - Andrew Kearns
11. Emil Riis - 6
Had started the game brightly before he seemingly rolled his ankle putting a cross in, a big loss for PNE should he be out for a while. Photo: CameraSport - Andrew Kearns
12. Ched Evans - 8
Evans is developing more and more into a talismanic figure in the North End team. His performance as Stoke typified him, an impossible work ethic, bringing players into the game and also now getting his rewards. His deft flick into the far corner belied his otherwise battering ram game but showed a man in form. Photo: CameraSport - Andrew Kearns