Stephen Ireland has found the net to give Stoke City the half-time lead against Tranmere Rovers at Prenton Park.

The Irish international latched onto Glenn Whelan's through-ball before finding Owain Fon Williams's bottom-left corner in the 23rd minute.

Peter Crouch should have made it 2-0 in the 32nd minute but he could not convert his header from six yards out.

The visitors controlled the action in the first half but could not add to their lead before the break.