London - Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink struck an injury-time winner as Hull City beat Stoke City 2-1 on Sunday and perhaps earned a reprieve for manager Phil Brown. Matthew Etherington had given Stoke the lead, before Seyi Olofinjana levelled.
Reports on Sunday morning suggested Brown would be dismissed later this week, with former Reading manager Steve Coppell lined up to replace him.
Hull's win was just their fourth in the league in 2009 but lifted them out of the relegation zone.
Hull fell behind after 29 minutes, Etherington latching onto a long diagonal and crashing a finish in at Matt Duke's near post.
Cutting in from the left, Etherington was a constant threat, and when Hull defender Anthony Gardner inadvertently diverted his low cross goalwards after 55 minutes, it took Duke's elbow and a large slice of luck to prevent Stoke doubling their lead.
It proved a vital save, as Hull levelled on 62 minutes, Nigeria international Olofinjana turning smartly and curling a wonderful finish into the top corner from 25 yards.
Craig Fagan stumbled after being presented with a chance with a gaffe from goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen, and Stoke defender Ryan Shawcross headed against the top of the bar with eight minutes remaining.
But the game tipped Hull's way when Stoke defender Abdoulaye Faye picked up a second yellow card and was sent off with four minutes remaining.
And in injury-time, Sorensen could only pat down a deflected shot from Jimmy Buillard, making his home debut on his first start since damaging knee ligaments 10 months ago.
Vennegoor of Hesselink, a second-half substitute pounced, forcing in the rebound and possibly saving Brown's job.
West Ham United play Everton, Wigan Athletic face Fulham and Chelsea take on Manchester United in the Premier League's other Sunday fixtures.
