Kingston upon Hull: Hull City goalkeeper Allan McGregor foiled West Bromwich Albion but could not prevent his slide slipping into the Premier League relegation zone after a 0-0 draw on Saturday.
McGregor saved a ninth-minute penalty from fellow Scot Graham Dorrans and also stood firm in the second half on a day of precious few clear chances at the KC Stadium.
But Queens Park Rangers’ 2-0 win at home to Burnley meant that Steve Bruce’s Hull, who have won only once in their last 14 league games, will finish the weekend in the bottom three.
It was the first time in five games that Alan Irvine’s West Brom had avoided defeat, but with only a point separating them from the relegation places, they are scarcely better placed.
Irvine gambled by leaving top scorer Saido Berahino out of his starting XI, while record signing Abel Hernandez returned up front for Hull after spending time in Uruguay on paternity leave.
West Brom were handed an early opportunity to break the deadlock when Jake Livermore was penalised for wrestling with Victor Anichebe, but McGregor plunged to his left to save Dorrans’s spot-kick.
The 32-year-old Scotland international has saved all three of the penalties he has faced in the Premier League.
After a turgid first half, both managers called for reinforcements during the second period.
Robbie Brady, Andy Robertson and Nikica Jelavic were summoned by Bruce and Berahino entered the fray alongside Silvestre Varela and Brown Ideye for West Brom.
Hull midfielder Stephen Quinn had the best chance to break the deadlock after the break, but his downward header was well saved by Ben Foster.
Hernandez also headed wide, while at the other end, McGregor parried a well-struck free-kick from Craig Gardner.
