Wolverhampton Wanderers remain eight points from Premier League safety despite securing a point in a 0-0 draw with Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.
It was the home side who started the match the stronger with Sebastian Larsson delivering a series of dangerous crosses into the box, but Wolves repelled the early danger.
Larsson came close himself after nine minutes with an effort from inside the box, but it drifted just wide.
Wolves were not without their chances in the early period of the match, however, and Michael Kightly fired wide with an effort after 12 minutes.
James McClean was next to come close for Sunderland after 16 minutes, but his effort from 25 yards just missed the post.
Wolves continued to struggle as the half advanced, and Craig Gardner headed just over as Sunderland continued to dominate.
Larsson tested the palms of Wayne Hennessey after 21 minutes, before McLean was denied by the Wolves stopper five minutes later.
Stephane Sessegnon might have given the home side the lead after 31 minutes, before Kightly struck wide for Wolves in the latter stages of the half.
The first real chance of the second period fell to Wolves in the shape of Steven Fletcher, but his effort was pushed away by Simon Mignolet in the Sunderland goal.
Anthony Forde was next to come close for the away side, but his effort was collected by Mignolet, before Sylvan Ebanks-Blake headed wide after 61 minutes.
Chances remained few and far between as the half developed, but it was Wolves who continued to carve out openings and Fletcher struck wide after 65 minutes.
McClean so nearly moved the Black Cats ahead after 75 minutes, but his header from close range was pushed away by the impressive Hennessey.
Fletcher again came close for Wolves after 81 minutes, but his effort was saved by Mignolet.
The final chance of the match fell to Larsson, who might have won it for the home side, but he cleared the bar.
The result leaves Wolves bottom of the table, while Sunderland move into ninth.
Matt Law
