Stoke City and Norwich City have played out a goalless first half in their Premier League encounter this afternoon.

The hosts almost made a perfect start to the match when Ryan Shawcross latched on to a corner in the first minute, but his header looped onto the roof of the net.

Norwich's first real chance came in the sixth minute when Russell Martin's ball into the box found Robert Snodgrass six yards out, but he couldn't keep his header down.

Peter Crouch was the first to test the opposition keeper when he got on the end of Charlie Adam's cross, but his glancing header was straight at Mark Bunn.

The Potters came within inches of taking the lead in the 23rd minute when Cameron Jerome's shot looked goal-bound, only to be blocked by an unwitting Steven N'Zonzi on the line.

Chances were few and far between for the rest of the half and both sides were forced to go into the break all square.