Albion shared a goalless deadlock with play-off chasing Coventry City for the second time this season at Highfield Road.

It was the Seagulls' first 0-0 draw since the scoreless stalemate between the sides at Withdean in August - but they deserved all three points.

Steve Coppell's men had much the better of the match and looked nothing like a team at the bottom of the table.

Coppell made one change from the last outing against Burnley a fortnight ago, the attack-minded Paul Brooker replacing the suspended Charlie Oatway.

Albion, with Bobby Zamora back in top form and leading the line superbly, performed with enterprise throughout.

Zamora was desperately unlucky in the first half when his left-footed volley hit the angle of post and crossbar.

His partner Graham Barrett also had an effort disallowed in the opening 45 minutes by a narrow offside decision.

Zamora, Steve Sidwell and Danny Cullip all went close after the break as well against a disappointing Coventry.

Bosnian centre-half Muhamed Konjic volleyed wide a great chance from close range for the Sky Blues in the 22nd minute.

Michel Kuipers was hardly troubled all afternoon, but he produced a brilliant save from a Richie Partridge shot with 15 minutes left as Coventry stretched their unbeaten run in all competitions to eight games.

Albion, undefeated now for three matches, go to Norwich on Tuesday in the FA Cup, by which time the futures of Arsenal loan pair Barrett and Sidwell could be clearer.

Arsenal have accepted an offer from Preston for Barrett, while Albion have countered an offer from relegation rivals Stoke for Sidwell with a bid of their own.

Elsewhere at the foot of the table results went firmly against the unlucky Seagulls.

Sheffield Wednesday came from 2-0 down to beat Reading 3-2 at home, leaving Albion four points adrift with a game in hand.

Stoke also drew 0-0 at second placed Leicester and Grimsby also psicked up a point in a 3-3 draw at Wimbledon.

Bradford's home match against Crystal Palace was postponed.