A brilliant free-kick from Dean Gordon clinched a 1-1 draw for Cardiff at Second Division leaders Stoke.
The defender, on loan from Premiership club Middlesbrough, curled an 83rd-minute left-foot shot into the top corner to cancel out Daniel Gabbidon's 76th-minute own goal.
The Bluebirds had goalkeeper Neil Alexander to thank for keeping them in the game after Stoke dominated for large parts.
But Alan Cork's side could have taken the lead themselves when Robert Earnshaw hit the post with a stunning volley.
"They are a good side and not many teams come here and get something out of the game," said Cork.
"If you get beat against other teams in the top six you're playing catch-up, but I thought we played well for 90 minutes."
Stoke boss Gudjon Thordarson admitted Cardiff keeper Alexander had been a key player in the match.
"He was very sharp and bright in the box, and I give credit to Cardiff and how well they played - they've got some good players," he said.
