Draw specialists Stoke and Sunderland played out a dull goalless draw at the Britannia Stadium that did nothing to improve either clubs league position.

The Potters have now drawn six of their nine matches this season, the same number as Martin O'Neill's side who have played a game less, and remain entrenched in the mid-section of the table.

Goalkeeper Simon Mignolet made a number of crucial saves to ensure the Black Cats return to Wearside with a point but they have won just once in 16 games, a run stretching back to last season.

A stunning double stop from Mignolet was the highlight of the first half, as he did brilliantly to turn Charlie Adam's free kick onto the bar before diving to keep out Ryan Shawcross' followup.

Opposite number Asmir Begovic enjoyed a trouble free afternoon in the home goal as Sunderland continued their struggles on the road, with their last away success coming at the Britannia on 4 February.

The Bosnian did have to be on his toes to cut out Craig Gardner's low cross before Jack Colback could make contact but rarely had to exert himself. Play was held up for five minutes after the break as Marc Wilson recieved treatment for a shin injury before being stretchered off and replaced by Andy Wilkinson.

The visitors threatened towards the end through and thought they should have been awarded a penalty after Steven Fletcher's shot struck Robert Huth on the arm, but referee Mark Halsey was having none of it.

Huth then drew another fabulous save from Mignolet before Michael Kightly squandered a good opportunity to snatch victory for Stoke deep into injury time.