Hornets draw a blank

The Hornets are two points ahead of West Brom, after recording their first clean sheet in eight games, while Stoke - who had won their last three league matches - stay fifth.

Both sides struggled to force clear-cut openings, the best chance falling to Ricardo Fuller - who failed to beat stand-in goalkeeper Richard Lee when through on goal. Stoke also had a good penalty claim turned down when midfielder Liam Lawrence seemed to be upended by Jobi McAnuff, but referee Colin Webster waved play on.

After an early surge from the home side, Watford began to dictate play - McAnuff and Lee Williamson linking up well in midfield - but Stoke's well-drilled back four held firm.

The hosts looked most dangerous from set-pieces, and it was from a Rory Delap long throw that they felt they might have had a penalty when Lawrence went down.

Marlon King almost broke the deadlock in the 28th minute, controlling a cross on his chest before firing a shot just wide. The former Nottingham Forest striker then came even closer a minute later with a snap shot from the edge of the area, tipped around the post by Steve Simonsen.

In the 52nd minute, Mamady Sidibe pounced on an error to slide a pass to the unmarked Fuller - whose shot was goalbound until Lee stretched out a leg to deflect it clear.

Tommy Smith then saw a shot from inside the area deflected inches wide of the post, with Simonsen rooted to the spot.

Pulis introduced powerhouse striker Jon Parkin after 70 minutes, and Stoke began to cause problems - Fuller and Richard Cresswell both coming close.

Cresswell hit a powerful shot which Lee did well to palm to safety; then a minute later, Fuller had a great opportunity to score - but his shot was blocked from a tight angle. Fuller had a golden chance when he found himself clean through with two minutes to go, but the former Portsmouth man was thwarted again by the impressive Lee.