Stoke can now look forward to life in the First Division alongside Reading and managerless Brighton, who are rumoured to want Steve Coppell as their new boss.

The game started brightly and Burton gave an early sign of his intent when, with only 50 seconds on the clock, he almost latched on to a defence-splitting pass.

However, Brentford's Michael Dobson made a timley challenge to deny the busy forward a chance on goal.

Stoke asserted themselves with far greater conviction and, as the half wore on, were duly rewarded for their endeavour.

Arnar Gunnlaugsson whipped in a dangerous corner, which the tall figure of Chris Iwelumo flicked on for Burton to dispatch a typical poacher's goal.

Brentford's only noteworthy chance during the first half fell to Burgess in the third minute, but the on-loan striker skied over from close range.

Yet Burgess did find the net just before the interval and his contribution would prove to be the most telling of the afternoon.

Gunnlaugsson was brought down on the edge of the Brentford area and from Bjarni Gudjonsson's free-kick, Burgess deflected the ball past stranded keeper Paul Smith.

With Stoke in the ascendancy, Brentford looked to striker Lloyd Owusu to produce something special.

But he was thwarted by Neil Cutler in the Stoke goal, whose second-half heroics kept Brentford at bay. Cutler also produced a superb save to deny Mark McCammon late on.

Ultimately, the two-goal deficit proved just too much for Brentford, who could not find a way past a resolute Stoke defence.

Brentford: Paul Smith, Anderson, Ingimarsson, Powell, Dobson, Paul Evans, Rowlands (O'Connor 78), Hunt, Sidwell, Owusu, Burgess (McCammon 70).
Subs Not Used: Gottskalksson, Boxall, Theobald.

Stoke: Cutler, Clarke, Handyside, Shtaniuk, Thomas, Gudjonsson, O'Connor, Dinning (Brightwell 85), Gunnlaugsson (Vandeurzen 74), Burton, Iwelumo (Cooke 57).
Subs Not Used: Oulare, Viander.

Attendance: 42,523

Referee: G Laws (Whitley Bay).