An uneventful first half between West Ham United and Southampton has ended goalless at Upton Park.

Sam Allardyce's men started sluggishly and were lucky to survive the early pressure being applied by the visitors.

Artur Boruc was able to breathe a sigh of relief on his debut; his weak punch fell to James Tomkins but Jos Hooiveld was on hand to clear the defender's header off the line.

The hosts improved as the half progressed but they found chances hard to come by against a well-organised Southampton defence.

West Ham's lack of creativity was clear and they were nearly punished on the stroke of half-time when Guly Do Prado found space on the edge of the box, but his effort flew wide of the target.