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A relieved Martin Jol said his Fulham players "fought like lions" as they beat Stoke to record their first victory in six Premier League games.

Darren Bent scored the only goal in the 1-0 defeat of the Potters to ease the increasing pressure on Jol.

"Relieved, emotional, whatever you want to call it, we needed that three points for sure," said the Dutchman.

"We realise we didn't play our best match but there is a lot of relief because we needed the points."

Fulham's second league victory of the season lifted them out of the bottom three, with Jol admitting his side are "struggling a bit".

They were second best for long spells against Stoke, who had two headers from Robert Huth cleared off the goalline.

"We couldn't keep the ball and couldn't show our quality but, in the end, it came off and we were probably a bit lucky as well," said Jol.

"Although they looked better than us, they had a lot of chances from set-pieces. For all their pressure, they didn't create a lot.

"I want my team to play better on the ball - we didn't, so if you don't play well and still get the three points then you are a happy man."

The 57-year-old was jeered by Fulham fans after last week's 2-1 home defeat by Cardiff.

He added: "I can cope with the pressure. The players realise that and, if the manager can cope with it, they can cope as well.

"We showed a great team spirit and fought like lions. We need wins, and wins will give us more stability.

"All the pressure before the game will be better if we play well and have the results."