STOKE CITY'S sister club the Austin Aztex claimed a third successive win at the weekend to strengthen their position at the top of the USSF Division-2 Pro League.

In the first of five successive home matches at House Park, they overcame the Puerto Rico Islanders 2-1 and now have a five-point lead at the top of the table after 10 games.

Adrian Heath's side, who are at home again to Portland Timbers on Wednesday evening, went in front in the 24th minute when Maxwell Griffin's shot was deflected past the Islanders goalkeeper, although the visitors equalised 13 minutes later with a goal from Nicholas Adderley.

The winner came 10 minutes from the end when midfielder Yordany Alvarez seized upon a cross from Joey Worthen to fire home the all-important second.

As well as being their third successive win, the Aztex have won five of their last seven matches to establish themselves as clear frontrunners in the League.