West Bromwich Albion and West Ham United struggled to create chances between them during the opening 45 minutes of their clash at the Hawthorns this afternoon.

Both sides contributed to a frantic start to the encounter, although neither was able to create a clear goalscoring opportunity during the opening exchanges.

The first real sight of goal arrived in the 13th minute when West Brom frontman Peter Odemwingie drove a shot straight into the body of West Ham goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen from 25 yards out.

Next to have a shot at goal for West Brom was Shane Long, but unlike Odemwingie, he failed to test Jaaskelainen with a left-footed shot from the edge of the area that skidded wide of the target.

Visiting West Ham carved out their best chance in the 31st minute as James Collins nodded the ball down for Winston Reid, who sent the ball over Boaz Myhill's crossbar from just six yards out.

As the half drew to a close Long had another attempt from 18 yards out, but once again his low effort towards the near post went wide.