Stoke City returned to winning ways with a convincing victory over big-spending Wrexham thanks to a fortuitous but totally deserved goal from Sorba Thomas.
The in-form winger bagged his fourth of the season to give the Potters their first three-point haul in five games but while the scoreline might not suggest it, the home team controlled virtually the entire match.
Mark Robins made one change to the Stoke side which drew at Blackburn last time out, an enforced one as Bae Jun-ho's dislocated shoulder saw Lewis Baker back in the team after his own injury.
For all their continuity - and dominance of possession - it took a while for the hosts to get their noses in front, time and a little bit of luck too.
Thomas had looked Stoke's most likely route to goal in the opening exchanges with a couple of crosses which didn't find a team-mate, however Issa Kabore had been served notice of the Wales international's danger.
It was the Wrexham wing back who forced the first real save of the match, though. In the 21st minute he was given space to surge into the home area and lash a cross shot which Viktor Johansson did well to parry.
The rebound flew straight to Ryan Longman on the left but with the goal gaping and an acute angle he could only side-foot on to the outside of the post.
A quarter of an hour later Robins' men took the lead from their first corner. While the ball in was easily cleared Stoke recycled to Thomas on the left.
He cut on to his right foot and sent over an inswinging cross which evaded everyone, bounced up and nestled inside the far upright.
Stoke started the second half with another chance as Divin Mubama made a run into the box, was found by Baker and saw his angled shot parried by Arthur Okonkwo. The rebound was returned to Thomas but his shot was blocked.
It was nearly 2-0 midway through the second period after Baker picked up the ball and with the crowd baying for him to shoot, he laid off for Million Manhoef. The winger cut into the area on his left and rattled a rising shot off the bar.
Wrexham shuffled their pack as the game wore on - and Aaron Cresswell had one anxious moment when he sliced Liberato Cacace's cross over his own bar - but Johansson was never called on to make a noteworthy save.
Thomas could have put the icing on the cake in injury time when Robert Bozenik squared and gave him only Okonkwo to beat - but the goalkeeper saved well low to his left.
Produced a good save to deny Kabore midway through the first half. A virtual spectator in the second period.
Tchamadeu 7
A wobbly start but settled into the game, kept things tight on his side and made the odd venture forward.
Phillips 7.5
Often found himself battling Moore. A first half sliding tackle on the Wales striker was well-timed and much-needed. A mature display.
Wilmot 7
Looked comfortable for the whole game, pretty much. Coasted through without any drama.
Cresswell 7
Found a good balance between keeping the door shut at the back and going forward when sensible. Had one shaky moment with Kabore but after that shut him down.
Seko 7
Battled away in the first half without imposing himself. Kept things tight once Stoke established their dominance.
Rigo 7
Started with an errant pass behind Cresswell but settled and showed invention further up the pitch.
Manhoef 6.5
A quiet first 45 when most of the play went down the left. Like many of his team-mates more involved after the break when he rattled the bar.
Baker 6.5
Back in the team for the first time in a month but didn't make much impact in the first half. Much more prominent after the restart and started to pick away at the defence.
Thomas 8*
A constant threat down the left and if his goal was a touch lucky, he deserved it. Continued to worry Wrexham through the second period.
Mubama 6
Another who saw very little of the ball in the opening period. He came to life a bit in the second half and tested the goalkeeper early on.
Not used: Bonham, Agina, Bocat, Talovierov, Kelly, Donley
Wrexham (3-4-2-1): Okonkwo; Cleworth, Hyam (Smith 84), Doyle; Kabore (Barnett 75), Dobson (Broadhead 62), Sheaf (James 62), Longman (Cacace 62); O'Brien, Windass; Moore.