Norwich City and Stoke City have failed to break the deadlock in a goalless first half at Carrow Road.

Stoke were gifted an early chance at goal but Peter Crouch failed to take advantage after breaking free of the home defence as John Ruddy made a low save.

Jonathan Walters became the next visiting player to test Ruddy when he forced the Norwich goalkeeper to smother an effort from the edge of the box.

Norwich finally produced a promising moment going forward in the 30th minute when Wes Hoolahan picked out Robert Snodgrass, whose low strike was impressively stopped by Asmir Begovic.

The Canaries continued to improve and they missed another opportunity before the break when Ricky van Wolfswinkel glanced a header wide of the goal.