Hull City skipper Curtis Davies hailed goalkeeper Allan McGregor for "saving" the Tigers as they drew 0-0 with Stoke at the KC Stadium. A largely lacklustre game ended goalless after Scotland international McGregor made two brilliant saves from Peter Crouch, while Stephen Ireland had a goal disallowed and Ryan Shawcross hit the crossbar.
Stoke keeper Asmir Begovic was also in sparkling form to keep out Ahmed Elmohamady and Yannick Sagbo. But the Tigers - the better side for an hour - lost their way in the second half and were left saluting their number one.
Davies said: "It was a boring game for Sky TV, a 0-0 on a bobbly, windy pitch, but it's another point towards survival. I thought we were lucky to get a point in the end. Allan McGregor saved us, he made a couple of great saves.
"We were making mistakes in the second half and they were capitalising and creating chances. Neither team looked like creating chances without mistakes."
Ireland's effort, which was immediately ruled out, came following up a header from Crouch, who for once had got away from Davies, only to be denied by McGregor. "Every time the ball gets in the box you've got to look out for him," said the defender. "There was once I let him get away because I was worried about the second run from Stevie Ireland and he almost scored."
Assistant manager Steve Agnew - on media duty because Steve Bruce was struggling with a sickness bug - said McGregor "had done the lads proud".
"The draw was the fair result," said Agnew. "It was a game of two halves in terms of chances. We had the better one first half, they had the better of the second.
"We were a little bit loose with the ball second half. Consequently they came into the game and Allan McGregor was outstanding.
"Every point is valuable in the Premier League. We're confident we'll keep chipping away accumulating points and will retain our Premier League status."
Stoke's period of dominance coincided with the withdrawal of Alex Bruce through injury. The centre-back had again proved his worth with a solid display at the heart of a three-man defence but now looks a doubt for next weekend's trip to West Bromwich Albion.
Agnew said: "He was struggling a little bit after the Swansea game with a groin strain. He was determined to play (today). As the minutes ticked by second half it just tightened up a little bit. Fingers crossed he'll be okay (for West Brom)."
Stoke boss Mark Hughes was frustrated by his own side's failings in front of goal. "We created chances and we needed to take one of them," said the Welshman. "We're pleased with the point, the only frustration is that we haven't taken one of the chances. To be fair, the keeper's played exceptionally well and made some very good saves."
