Stoke were left frustrated by Aston Villa as the sides played out a goalless draw at the Britannia Stadium this evening.

In a slow first half, Emile Heskey had the best chance for the visitors as he headed the ball onto the post from Charles N'Zogbia's cross.

Play continued in much the same form after the restart, with neither side managing to make any real headway, much to the irritation of the home fans.

Marc Wilson could have given Stoke the advantage on 69 minutes but his headed effort found the chest of Gabriel Agbonlahor, who was waiting by the near post.

The result leaves Stoke and Villa at eighth and 12th in the table respectively.