Southampton and West Bromwich Albion have both been unable to break the deadlock in a poor first half at St Mary's Stadium which has finished 0-0.

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The away side were claiming a penalty in the second minute of the game as Chris Brunt fell inside the area, but referee Roger East waved play on.

Dusan Tadic whipped a number of dangerous balls into the box throughout the first half and one such cross in the seventh minute found the head of Graziano Pelle, but the big Italian nodded wide of goal.

Then the visitors threatened at the other end through Graham Dorrans, but Jose Fonte charged out to meet the midfielder and blocked his goal-bound effort.

After half an hour, Pelle got another sight of goal after more good approach play from Tadic, but Jonas Olsson threw himself in the way of the shot.

Ben Foster almost handed the home side the lead when he came charging out of his area and got nowhere near the ball, but Ryan Bertrand opted to cross the ball for Pelle rather than shoot from a tight angle, and the ball sailed harmlessly to safety.

The England international keeper made amends shortly afterwards though, with a good low save from Tadic's strike to keep his side level after 45 minutes.