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Bore draw at the Hawthorns

Cape Town - Neither West Brom nor Middlesbrough will be happy with their performance after the sides played out to a stale 0-0 draw at the Hawthorns in the Premier League on Sunday.

The opening exchanges were characterised by sloppy passing as both of the teams struggled to hang on to possession in the middle of the park.

The Baggies shook off the rustiness first and Guzan had to be quick off his line to deny a stabbed shot from James McClean after a flowing move from the home side.

The American stopper was called into action once again when Brendan Galloway came in off the left flank and hit a wicked low drive goalward, only for Guzan to get down well to deny the shot.

The home side went close shortly before half time as Salomon Rondon rose to get on the end of a cross, but couldn't quite get the connection on the ball he was looking for and it appeared as if he might have had his shirt pulled.

The visitors finally started to find their feet in the game after the break with Emilio Nsue feeding the ball for Gaston Ramirez, who snatched at the chance sending it high and wide.

Craig Dawson then rose highest at a corner for West Brom and appeared to finally have Guzan beaten but his header snuck agonisingly wide of the post.

Boro finished the game well and Antonio Barragan started a dangerous move by driving along the edge of the box before teeing the ball up for Christian Stuani, but his poor chipped cross was easy for Ben Foster to gather.

The home fans then voiced their frustration, both at the match and Saido Berahino himself, when a chorus of boos echoed around the stadium when the England international gave away possession easily late on.

Stewart Downing had the last good chance of the game as he found himself in some space and flashed his shot goalward. It looked destined to sneak just inside the far post before curling away at the last second.

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