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Aston Villa and Fulham played out a goalless draw in a low-key encounter at Villa Park as the hosts missed the chance to move into third in the table.

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Villa had by far the better chances, with Ashley Young again underlining his England potential with a fine display.

He was the creator as Steve Sidwell and Gareth Barry both headed off target from close range, while the winger himself had a stinging shot well saved.

Clint Dempsey twice tested Brad Friedel but Fulham will be happy with a point.

It is only the Cottagers’ third away point this season, but Roy Hodgson will be delighted that his charges continue to show signs of turning Fulham into a force in the Premier League.

The visitors battled well without the ball and displayed assuredness with it, but they still will be relieved that Villa – and Sidwell and Barry in particular – left their scoring boots at home.

It was a match typified by misplaced passes and wasted opportunities, with both sides keen to sit deep and exploit their respective pace in attack on the break.