Bristol City were made to rue poor finishing as Sheffield United came away from Ashton Gate with a 0-0 draw.
Adebola and Trundle both go close for home side
Bristol City were made to rue poor finishing as Sheffield United came away from Ashton Gate with a 0-0 draw.
Robins duo Dele Adebola and Lee Trundle were both guilty of squandering glorious opportunities to propel Gary Johnson's side further up the Championship table.
Sheffield United were hardly inferior on their travels though as they dominated the early proceedings in particular.
Adebola headed over the bar from close range shortly before half-time while Trundle was unable to capitalise on a rebound from Lee Johnson's shot in the 48th minute.
James Beattie was a constant threat for the visitors but the United striker was unable to find a way past City goalkeeper Adriano Basso.
Close contest
The Blades had dominated the first half and went close to opening the scoring in the second minute when Beattie lashed a shot at goal which was tipped around the post by Basso.
Kevin Blackwell's side were then presented with another chance three minutes later after Marvin Elliott fouled Brian Howard on the edge of the penalty area.
On-loan Sunderland forward Anthony Stokes took the free-kick but was unable to test Basso and his shot flew over the bar.
The lively Beattie went close again the 14th minute when he met a cross from Kyle Naughton but saw his goal-bound header blocked by Basso.
City made an impact in the opposition half moments later when Michael McIndoe created a shooting opportunity and struck a long-range attempt at goal but Paddy Kenny saved well.
Rare foray
It turned out to be a rare foray for the home side and United went close again in the 25th minute when Howard fired over the bar from distance.
Beattie was again the major threat 10 minutes later when he struck a free-kick at City's goal which Basso parried to safety.
The best chance of the first half though fell to Adebola in the 41st minute but the 33-year-old veteran striker could only direct his header from inside the six-yard box over the bar.
It was a different story after the break as Gary Johnson's side adopted a more attacking approach and almost found the net three minutes into the second period.
Lee Johnson smashed a superb 25-yard shot at goal which was parried by
Kenny into the path of Trundle but the former Swansea striker could blast the rebound at Kenny and the ball was cleared to safety.
City went close again from long distance in the 60th minute when Lee Johnson's free-kick hit the ball and found McIndoe who saw his shot fly just wide of the post.
Beattie threat
Beattie remained the Blades' most likely goal threat and forced Basso to tip the ball over the bar eight minute later as United contrived to get a foothold in the game.
The Robins reasserted their authority as the game wore on and Gavin Williams saw his shot from 18 yards blocked by Ugo Ehiogu in the 81st minute before he smashed the rebound over the bar.
Nicky Maynard was then introduced for Williams and he had an almost immediate impact when he tested Kenny with a stinging shot from inside the penalty area in the 84th minute.
Basso made a comfortable save from Stephen Quinn's shot in stoppage-time but a draw represented a fair result for both sides.
