EPL: West Brom 0-0 Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace are the first side in Premier League history to go 10 away games without scoring

Alan Pardew's first game in charge of West Brom ended in frustration as they were held to a 0-0 draw by Crystal Palace.

The stalemate extended Albion's winless run to 13 games and allowed Palace to climb off the bottom of the Premier League and sees the latter at last eased for relegation by Sky Bet from

The Baggies can be backed at to be playing their football next season in the second tier.

Julian Speroni, a last-minute selection after Wayne Hennessey was injured in the warm up, denied Albion with saves from Jay Rodriguez and Hal Robson-Kanu as Pardew settled for a point against the club which axed him 12 months ago.

Christian Benteke wasted Palace's best chance, with the Eagles having now gone 10 straight away league games without scoring.

The point at least lifted Palace off the foot of the table but they remain in the relegation zone, three points and a place behind West Brom.

Albion were on top early on but wasted chances and almost paid for their profligacy when Ben Foster slipped while trying to check past Wilfried Zaha and the goalkeeper only just recovered.

Albion's control waned once Gareth Barry was forced off injured after half an hour.

Without the midfielder, the hosts lost their footing as Palace grew into the game and Christian Benteke should have put the Eagles ahead before half time but planted a header straight at the keeper.

Albion regained their composure after the re-start and it was Speroni in action much more.

Palace's threat disappeared during the second half with the Baggies holding a degree of control but a goal never came.

Rondon headed wide with eight minutes remaining and the visitors survived some late pinball in the area to take a point.