Stoke City picked up where they left off on the opening day of the season, defeating Premier League new boys Burnley 2-0 at the Britannia Stadium.

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Tony Pulis's side won 35 of their 45 points last season on home turf and their imperious form in the Potteries continued on Saturday thanks to a goal from Ryan Shawcross after 19 minutes and an own goal from Stephen Jordan on 33 minutes.

If the result seemed familiar, then the nature of the first-half goals was no surprise either as Shawcross headed in from a set-piece and Jordan found himself perplexed by one of Rory Delap's trademark long throws.

Burnley improved after half-time, despite Dave Kitson hitting the bar late on, but if they are to emulate Stoke and prove this season's surprise package, then Owen Coyle's side have some work to do.

Given that their starting line-up included only one debutant - summer signing Dean Whitehead - it was no surprise to see Stoke adopt a business-as-usual approach in the first half.

Targeting the Burnley defence with a sustained aerial bombardment, the Potters found themselves in front when Shawcross met a Liam Lawrence cross from the left and headed the ball back across goal and past Brian Jensen.

Burnley were unable to get the best out of new striker Steven Fletcher and their best chances of the first half came through Robbie Blake, who saw Thomas Sorensen save one of his curling efforts.

Their first top flight game since 1976 witnessed a difficult acclimatisation to the rigours of the Premier League and on 33 minutes it was 2-0 when another soaring throw-in from Delap was inadvertently diverted past Jensen by the unfortunate Jordan.

Stoke always exude confidence at the Britannia Stadium and could well have extended their lead just minutes before the break when Clarke Carlisle was forced to clear off the line after a header from Ricardo Fuller looped over the stranded Jensen.

Burnley were much improved in the second half with Wade Elliot signalling their intent on 47 minutes when seeing a vicious shot go narrowly over and brush the top of the net.

Then, after Abdoulaye Faye had been booked for a poor challenge on Elliot before pushing his luck by clattering Tyrone Mears, Fletcher enjoyed his best chance of the tie when seeing a fierce drive expertly palmed wide by Sorensen.

Having been unable to capitalise on their improved display, Burnley almost went 3-0 down after 78 minutes when substitute Kitson controlled neatly in the box and rifled a shot against the crossbar.

The wait for the striker's first goal for the club goes on, as does Stoke's impressive home record which could again hold the key to their Premier League aspirations this season.