Caleb Folan cancelled out Leon Cort's first-half opener as Stoke were held to a disappointing 1-1 draw with Hull at the Britannia Stadium.Former Tigers defender Cort glanced home his fourth goal of the season from Rory Delap's throw-in to put in-form Stoke ahead 12 minutes before half-time.

But Hull earned a share of the spoils when Dean Windass crossed for strike partner Caleb Folan to head home from six yards just after the hour.

Stoke stay fourth after extending their unbeaten streak to 10 games but they will be disappointed after missing the chance to move two points off top spot.

Hull, meanwhile, remain on the brink of the play-offs after making it five games unbeaten.

Hull, who have won three and drawn one of their last four games, made the brighter start but the first attempt did not come until the 21st minute when Windass - the match-winner in Sunday's 1-0 victory over Sheffield Wednesday - curled a free-kick wide from the edge of the box.

The visitors again came close to opening the scoring six minutes later but Steve Simonsen - back in the side for the suspended Russell Hoult - was equal to Bryan Hughes' fantastic overhead kick.

Stoke, without leading goalscorer Ricardo Fuller due to family reasons, had struggled to create any opportunities until Cort struck but they nearly doubled their advantage after going ahead, with visiting goalkeeper Boaz Myhill pulling off a stunning save to deny Jon Parkin, another ex-Tiger, from 12 yards.

And Myhill had to be at his best again moments later to tip a ripsnorting Liam Lawrence drive over the crossbar.

Windass forced Simonsen into another smart save soon after as the home side went into the interval ahead.

Parkin sent a spectacular 35-yard lob over the crossbar early in the second half but Hull almost got back on level terms five minutes after the restart. Sam Ricketts whipped over a cross but Hughes just failed to divert his 12-yard header on target.

They did then find an equaliser the 61st minute when Windass crossed for strike partner Folan to head home from six yards.

Buoyed by the goal, the Tigers went close to taking the lead four minutes later when Windass headed a Hughes cross against the crossbar from close range.

At the other end, Parkin should have done better with a header he put wide 20 minutes from time while his replacement Vincent Pericard was denied a penalty after being brought down in the closing stages.

Nick Barmby, also on as a substitute, fired a shot over but neither side deserved to find a winner in an uninspiring encounter.

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