HULL, Nov 9 – Hull manager Phil Brown opted to keep a low profile after his side eased the pressure on their beleaguered leader with a 2-1 win over Stoke.Brown has been fighting to save his job in recent weeks and he chose not to speak to the media after Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink hit a last-gasp winner at the KC Stadium on Sunday.
Hull, having won just three times in 33 Premier League games, had seemed destined for another damaging defeat after a first-half strike from Matthew Etherington.
But Seyi Olofinjana levelled for the Tigers and Vennegoor of Hesselink struck moments after Stoke had Abdoulaye Faye sent off to lift Hull out of the relegation zone.
"He’s having a beer – he deserves one," assistant manager Brian Horton said.
"He does like the spotlight, there’s nothing wrong with that but this time he’s chosen not to. He’s a good manager and does lots of good things that people don’t see. He’s got a great future in the game."
Hull were the better team throughout and Etherington’s effort came against the run of play on 29 minutes after the hosts had already missed several chances.
Olofinjana, who quit Stoke for Hull in pre-season, hit a superb equaliser just after the hour.
Faye’s dismissal for a second bookable offence left the visitors hanging on, and substitute Vennegoor of Hesselink fired home after a Jimmy Bullard shot was beaten away.
Stoke boss Tony Pulis said: "It is the third time we have led away from home this year and not won the game.
"We weren’t at our best but when Matty scored we were hoping that would take us on."