A rare glimpse of quality in the Potteries fog condemned Coventry City to defeat on their travels.

In a game notable only for its mediocrity, Andy Griffin pierced the gloom with a wonder strike which was worthy of winning a far better encounter.

Full-back Griffin certainly provided a lesson in finishing for the more offensive players on the field.

The former Newcastle man simply let fly from 28 yards sending the ball screaming in past a helpless Andy Marshall.

Stoke then had to play out close-on half an hour after Ricardo Fuller was sent off, apparently for aiming an elbow at Michael Doyle.

But what Coventry lacked in performance, it could not be put down to a lack of ambition by their manager.

Micky Adams certainly rang the changes after the faltering home form continued with the defeat against neighbours Birmingham City.

There might only have been two alterations in personnel but the Coventry boss significantly altered his line-up against a Stoke side who had suffered just one league defeat in the past five home outings.

That saw Marcus Hall employed as one of three centre halves while Coventry effectively played three up front with Leon McKenzie on the left and Chris Birchall back in the side and operating on the right flank.

It was ostensibly an attacking formation that, in the opening minutes, seemed to catch the Stoke defence unawares. Coventry forced two corners in the opening two minutes but failed to make them count.

Eventually the home side managed to get a hang of what they were facing and began to move the ball with the freedom of a side who had found goal form in their last home game.

But Stoke, when faced with a sight of goal, they seemed to lose their composure. Ricardo Fuller came the closest to scoring when he got away past Eliot Ward.

Fortunately for the Sky Blues, Page was alert to the danger and go across in time to make the block.

Coventry did create one opening in the gathering gloom when, after 20 minutes, a slip allowed Stern John in on goal but he fired wide.

At the other end Fuller was equally as wasteful when the industrious Carl Hoefkens got away down the right flank thanks to some intelligent refereeing.

The striker slipped as the full back crossed, but seemed to have regained his balance only to fire the ball dreadfully wide of goal.

His partner Mamady Sidibe was equally culpable with two misses late in the first half.

The real action at last began after the break and Griffin's moment of class seemed to inspire those around him.

Ward had to clear off the line from a Luke Chadwick header before Hoefkens hit the bar with another fine effort.

Quite what possessed Fuller only he will know. He tussled with Doyle, and the referee, who had an excellent game, saw an elbow and produced a red card. Stoke called for the same when Ward send Sidibe flying but again Mr Boyeson was spot on with his judgment.

City could also have little complaint when an injury time header by McKenzie was ruled out for offside.