West Bromwich Albion have been unable to find a way through against League One Port Vale in a quiet game in the League Cup second round at The Hawthorns.

Unbeaten in their first five games in all competitions, Vale frustrated the Premier League's joint-bottom side for the first 45 minutes by denying them any clear sight of goal with an organised display.

With very few clear chances for either side, the only moment of note in the opening stages came when Albion's Chris Brunt was forced into leaving the field after picking up an injury in the 12th minute, with Craig Dawson replacing the Northern Irishman.

Brought into the team with in-demand striker Saido Berahino once again absent, Brown Ideye came within inches of heading the Premier League side into the lead when he just could not convert from Rickie Lambert's cross.

Serge Gnabry fired over after driving towards goal, before Lambert's deflected shot was clawed away at the far post by Vale goalkeeper Jak Alnwick in stoppage time as the teams headed into the break goalless.