Eric Ramsay is still awaiting his first win as West Brom head coach after his side were held to a 0-0 draw at home to Stoke in the Sky Bet Championship.
But Albion did at least climb out of the bottom three after a more positive performance in the Welshman’s fifth game in charge.
Ramsay had endured a tough start with heavy defeats at home to Norwich and last week at Portsmouth.
He responded by switching to a back four, giving a first league start of the season to Daryl Dike and a debut to Aston Villa loanee Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba.
The result was an agricultural start with no goalmouth action in the first quarter of the game until Albion defender Nat Phillips’ tame header from Alex Mowatt’s free-kick.
Home captain Jed Wallace was unfortunate after a fine run to see his shot go wide.
At the other end, Sorba Thomas could not beat Max O’Leary as a chance presented itself.
West Brom pushed as the first half wore on with Mowatt shooting over from Isaac Price’s promising move while Jimoh-Aloba’s surging run resulted in a deflected shot well saved by Tommy Simkin.
For Stoke, Jesurun Rak-Sakyi, making his Potters debut on loan from Crystal Palace, was denied by brave Chris Mepham defending.
Mark Robins’ side have suffered a dip in form of late with just two goals in their previous four games and again struggled in attack.
Tatsuki Seko’s 30-yard attempt went well wide of the target at the start of the second half to the derision of the home fans.
Albion went close again as Price’s deflected shot from Callum Styles’ cross went wide.
Stoke’s disappointing showing in front of goal continued with Bosun Lawal completely missing his kick.
The atmosphere at the Hawthorns has not been positive lately but there was a wave of support as Price could not quite reach the cross of Mikey Johnston, one of three attacking changes made by Ramsay.
West Brom lost defender Mepham to a knock late in the contest with Charlie Taylor coming on in his place.
They looked to threaten with substitute Josh Maja drilling his shot wide from 20 yards.
But it was Stoke, who have now failed to win in the league since January 4, who could have stolen all three points as Million Manhoef’s powerful effort was stopped by O’Leary.
