For most of the second half this remained the case and the fans at Layer Road, the 10,000 at the Brit beam-back, and those tuned into radios and internet around the world were starting to celebrate the return to the top-flight. However, Ian Ashbee scored in the 85th minute at the KC stadium to keep Hull's slender hopes alive, and leave a sense of deflation in all Stoke fans as they had come so close.
However, it is still in our hands. A point against Leicester next week would guarantee that much craved spot, and even a defeat could send us up if Hull fail to beat Ipswich. The Leicester match will be far from easy as they are fighting to stay up, but the trip to Portman Road will be no stroll in the park as Ipswich have a fantastic home record and still have a chance of reaching the play-offs themselves. Things could get more interesting if West Brazil lose to Southampton tomorrow, but this would seem unlikely.
So, keep the faith. It is going to be a nervous and tense week, hoepfully followed by one hell of a party. We CAN do it. We WILL do it.
GO ON STOKE!!!!!!