Blackburn 0-0 Stoke

Last updated : 10 December 2009 By Dan Buxton

The game may have ended goalless but it wasn't for the want of trying as both keepers excelled at Blackburn.

City pressed well at the start but Sorenson was the first in action as he made a great double save from Di Santo and Emerton to deny the hosts an early goal. Samba was next to try but his effort flew over before Lawrence threaded a ball through to Sidibe. With the goal in his sights the striker slipped before deciding to pass and the chance was gone.

Fuller was tormenting the hosts rearguard and he nearly grabbed an assist when he played in Whitehead, The energetic midfielder was through on goal and tried to beat Robinson only for the England stopper to deny the ex-Sunderland man his opening City goal.

Minutes after Lawrence had just missed the target with a sighter he thought he had scored but was somehow denied  by a point blank save from Robinson. Lawrence prodded Fuller's pass goalwards only to stand in amazement as the keeper pushed it away.

The second half started with end to end action as Sorenson denied Emerton, Diouf and Nzonzi whilst Wilkinson and Fuller both went close for the Potters. The latter then danced past a few defenders before laying the ball into the path of Whitehead. With the goal gaping the midfielder just failed to connect well and the ball spurted across the goal and out for a goal kick, just evading Sidibe and Lawrence at the back post.

Emerton had tried his luck several times throughot the day and had two more opportunites late on but missed both whilst Beattie headed Fuller's drilled cross over from 6 yards as the game proved destined to finish goalless.