24 Sep 2012

Ashley Cole delivers the points for Chelsea with late strike

5:55 am on 24 September 2012

Ashley Cole's late strike was enough for Chelsea to take the three points at home to Stoke in football's English Premier League.

The win means Chelsea are a point clear of Manchester United at the top of the table.

The Blues were on course for a fourth straight game without a win in all competitions until England left-back Cole, following a flick-on from Juan Mata, struck from close range five minutes from time.

Elsewhere, Everton are third after a commanding 3-0 win away to 10-man Swansea.

In the weekend's other games Southampton beat Aston Villa 4-1, West Brom beat Reading 1-0, Fulham won 2-1 at Wigan while West Ham and Sunderland drew 1-1.