Blackburn Rovers 0-0 Stoke City: Stalemate At Ewood

Blackburn Rovers and Stoke City were forced to share the spoils in a game unlikely to stay long in the memory.

In a game of few chances, the home side had the better of it, though Dean Whitehead could have been the hero for the visitors - spurning two good chances - but neither side could get the important three points.

Gael Givet and Brett Emerton made the starting line-up for the hosts, while James Beattie and Rory Delap had to be content with places on the bench for Stoke, alongside Addoulaye Faye and Glenn Whelan.

Blackburn were quickest out of the blocks, Franco Di Santo missing an early chance when he beat the offside trap but was denied by a fine save from the 'keeper.

David Dunn went off after 31 minutes which hit the home sides' hope, Blacburn's top goalscorer limping off with a calf injury.

That gave Stoke the impetus, and Liam Lawrence was unlucky after a rebounded ball fell into his path, but Paul Robinson pulled off an excellent save to deny him.

Ryan Nelson and Steven Nzoni both went close in the second half for Blackburn, Nelson's bicycle kick saved by Sorensen before Nzoni hit a left foot volley off the upright.

Stoke were finishing the stronger but chances were sparse, and in a frantic conclusion Blackburn looked the more likely to win it, but neither 'keeper was forced into serious action and both sides had to settle for a point apiece.

Andrew Southwick, Goal.com

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