Albion fought out a goalless first half at Barnsley today with neither goalkeeper really troubled.

The Seagulls were tested by a couple of early crosses but no harm was done as they defended the goal behind which fans were sitting.

The visitors were also put in a bit of trouble when Calderon, who thought he was fouled by Jennings, lost the ball near halfway.

O’Grady burst away down the inside left channel and the ball eventually reached Jennings, whose curler was held by the diving Kuszczak.

March, playing mainly down the right but with licence to roam, was coming more into the match after a slightly nervous start.

Ward was booked for a foul just outside the box on McLaughlin who, contrary to expectations, was playing in midfield with Etuhu still at right-back.

The free-kick was whipped in towards the near post but cleared behind for a corner which was also dealt with.

The next free-kick, five yards outside the box, was hit into the wall and Lawrence volleyed the rebound way over.

But it was generally undistinguished fare.

A foul by Lingard, tracking back, offered the hosts another free-kick, 25 yards out just to the right of goal.

Cywka drilled it unimaginatively into the penalty area where an Albion boot thumped it away.

Albion suddenly conjured a nice move in the 36th minute. Stephens drilled the ball in from the right, Ulloa flicked on to Lingard and then moved on to the return pass to fire a left-foot shot which flew just over helped by a deflection off a defender.

The resulting coner was tipped away from the head of Ulloa at the far post by Steele at full stretch.

Another nice link-up between Ulloa and Lingard opened up half a chance but Stephens shot too high from 20 yards.

Ward was joined in the book by his former Republic of Ireland colleague Lawrence in the 39th minute for a foul on Calderon.

Then Ulloa talked and gesticulated his way to a yellow card after being penalised.

The striker went on a run seconds later and appeared to be pulled back. When the decision did not come and he was then penalised for a trip, home fans called for a second yellow.

Ref Harrington called over Greer and spoke to the striker and his skipper.

Half-time: Barnsley 0 Albion 0 There is no running report today due to poor internet connection.