Burnley leapfrogged Stoke City in the Championship, after a sixth straight home win, enhancing their play off ambitions.
Ade Akinbiyi scored the only goal against his former club, as the Clarets kicked off the festive period with a creditable victory.
The visitors showed promise in the first half, but a combination of misses and good goalkeeping from Brian Jenson kept the Potters at bay.
Akinbiyi continued his good form this season by scoring his 12th league goal of the season from six yards, following a good cross from Michael Duff, and a flick down from Noel-Williams.
Both teams had chances to change the scoreline, but the score remained at 1-0.
There was some controversy at the end of the game when Stoke’s Sambegou Bangoura appeared to slap Frank Sinclair, but this was another positive step from Burnley in their push for the playoffs.
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