Hull Citylead Stoke City 1-0 at the interval of their Premier League clash despite having had a man sent off at the KC Stadium.

Both sides struggled for opportunities in the opening stages of the contest, but that changed after 14 minutes when Hull centre-back James Chester was given his marching orders for bringing Glenn Whelan to the ground just outside of the box.

Erik Pieters had the first serious chance of the first period after 24 minutes, but the Stoke defender's effort whistled just high of the crossbar from a wide angle.

Stoke continued to enjoy much of the possession in the latter stages of the first period, but clear chances remained at a premium as 10-man Hull retreated into a defensive structure.

The Potters changed shape in the latter stages of the half, introducing Bojan, but it was Hull who took the lead on 44 minutes when Nikica Jelavic converted from close range, after Asmir Begovic had spilled a shot from Tom Huddlestone.