Sheffield Wednesday remained second from bottom in the Championship after a lacklustre scoreless draw at home to Stoke.
Wednesday, still seeking their first victory under former Potters boss Tony Pulis, were unable to break down the visitors in a game of few chances.
Stoke - whose previous four games had witnessed 20 goals - were unusually shot-shy, although substitute Sam Vokes belatedly forced home goalkeeper Joe Wildsmith into action.
The Potters missed the chance to move into the play-off places and are eighth in the table.
There were limited scoring opportunities during a drab first half, with Wednesday's five-man defence holding firm to blunt the Stoke forward line.