There was no separating Stoke City and West Bromwich Albion at half time as both defences put on a solid display in the opening 45 minutes.

West Brom settled into the game the stronger side and Chris Brunt had the first effort on goal, but his strike from distance sailed over the bar.

Matthew Etherington was looking dangerous for Stoke, but his crosses were being comfortably dealt with by Ben Foster in the visitors' goal.

Geoff Cameron found space in the box, turning inside Youssouf Mulumbu, but he blazed his shot off target on 15 minutes.

In the 25th minute Stoke came close to breaking the deadlock when an Etherington free kick almost caught out Foster, but the goalkeeper recovered to keep it out.

Jonathan Walters then had a clear look at Foster's goal but a block from Jonas Olsson deflected his shot wide.

Both defences remained on top of proceedings and the sides went in level at 0-0 at the break.