BBC SPORT | Football | Championship

BBC SPORT / CHAMPIONSHIP
Graphics Version | BBC News Home

Sunday, 9 December 2007, 15:35 GMT

Stoke 0-0 Watford

Watford extended their lead at the top of the Championship to two points but failed to break down Stoke.

Both sides struggled to force clear-cut openings, the best chance falling to Ricardo Fuller - who failed to beat Richard Lee when through on goal.

Stoke also had a good penalty claim turned down when Liam Lawrence seemed to be upended by Jobi McAnuff.

Marlon King went close with a snap shot from the edge of the area, while Fuller again went close for Stoke.

Stoke manager Tony Pulis:
"We are disappointed we didn't win because we had those chances.

"You would normally expect Ricardo Fuller to put them away, but he's having a little bit of a poor run in front of goal.

"He's still a special player. He does things other players can't do, and he will be back among the goals soon."

Watford manager Aidy Boothroyd:
"Richard has done very well, and we've also defended very well generally. It's our first clean sheet for eight games, and that's pleasing.

"It was a tough game, and we handled it well. Stoke are a big side, and we knew we were going to get pounded.

"We were big enough to stand up to it. A point at Stoke is never a bad thing."

Stoke: Simonsen, Wright (Buxton 90), Zakuani, Cort, Dickinson, Lawrence, Delap, Pugh, Cresswell, Fuller, Sidibe (Parkin 74).
Subs Not Used: Hoult, Pericard, Pulis.

Booked: Delap, Cresswell.

Watford: Lee, Doyley, Jackson, DeMerit, Stewart, Smith (Ellington 78), Williamson, O'Toole, McAnuff, King, Priskin (Francis 89).
Subs Not Used: Loach, Mariappa, Ainsworth.

Booked: Doyley, Williamson.

Att: 15,516

Ref: Colin Webster (Tyne & Wear).

E-mail this to a friend

RELATED INTERNET LINKS:
Football League
Your say - 606
BBC Sport club pages
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites