Despite an impressive first-half performance from Fulham, the hosts have failed to make the breakthrough against Aston Villa at Craven Cottage.

The hosts started the better of the two sides and could have been ahead when Dimitar Berbatov found Mladen Petric, but his header was directed straight at Brad Guzan.

© PA Photos

Petric continued his duel with Guzan just moments later, forcing the American to tip his header to safety.

Gabriel Agbonlahor's pace worried the home side in the first period and his deflected shot from the edge of the area had to be pushed away by Schwarzer to deny the visitors a surprise goal.

It was Agbonlahor who had the final chance before the break but his weak effort was no trouble for Schwarzer after a quick counter attack.