Premier League: West Bromwich Albion 0 Aston Villa 0

Aston Villa remain in the thick of the Premier League relegation battle after a 0-0 draw with West Bromwich Albion at the Hawthorns.

The first half saw some end to end action but both sides were limited in terms of chances, lacking the cutting edge in the final third.

The second period was even less lively, with the hosts edging the best of the chances and Villa’s Alan Hutton lucky to not give away a penalty when he handled on the line.

Villa come out the livelier of the two sides, however they failed to create any clear openings.

West Brom had the best chance to take the lead on the counter when Peter Odemwingie collected Shane Long’s pass but could not generate enough power to beat Shay Given.

Chris Brunt was next to try his luck but his shot was deflected behind for a corner.

Villa responded to the pressure well and continued to have possession in good areas, with Charles N’Zogbia looking particularly threatening, and Chris Herd also drawing a save from Ben Foster.

Gabriel Agbonlahor spurned Villa’s best chance of the match just before the interval, shooting straight at Foster after finding himself through on goal.

West Brom had a big shout for handball just after the break as the ball appeared to strike Hutton’s arm on the line from Liam Ridgewell’s header.

Villa then broke after some sloppy play from Long, as Agbonlahor set up N’Zogbia who drew yet more fine goalkeeping from Foster.

West Brom attacked on the left as Graham Dorrins floated in a deep cross which Long headed back across goal, however the Villa defence cleared.

The hosts nearly secured victory at the death, but Odemwingie saw his shot saved expertly by Given as Villa held on for what could prove a precious point in their bid for survival.