Ryan Shawcross's interim spell as Stoke manager ended with a creditable goalless draw against Burnley, which dented the hosts' automatic promotion bid.
The Potters announced the appointment of Mark Robins as their new boss on the morning of the match, although he was absent as he scouted and prepared for his first game in charge – at home to Plymouth on Saturday.
An unproductive afternoon for Scott Parker's Clarets ended in further frustration when substitute Hannibal Mejbri was shown a straight red card in the 86th minute.
He was tackled by a sliding Junior Tchamadeu and referee Gavin Ward ruled that he had deliberately kicked the Stoke right-back as he ran past.
The visitors' recent improvement continued, however, as a home win over Sunderland saw them hold Burnley to a seventh goalless draw of the season.
Burnley's defensive mastery continues, with the nine goals conceded in 25 games so far putting them well on course to record the lowest number of goals conceded since the Championship came into existence 20 years ago.
That record is currently held by Watford in 2020/21 and Preston in 2005/06, both of whom conceded 30 times.
But despite their defensive performances, goals remain a challenge for Burnley in their bid to return to the top flight.
After scoring nine goals in the first two games of the campaign, they managed just 21 goals in the next 23 games.
The first half was one of almost complete control by Parker's men, but ended with visiting goalkeeper Viktor Johansson unable to make a save.
A series of hopeful long-range shots hardly worried Johansson and Stoke even finished the first half on top, with Tom Cannon forcing James Trafford into the first save of the match with a weak shot straight at him.
A slip by Luca Koleosho gifted the ball to Lynden Gooch, who set up Wouter Burger with a half-chance before half-time, once again allowing Trafford to easily cope with the task.
Stoke's attacking threat continued after the break, with Trafford forced to make his first real save of the match after Cannon's well-directed volley.
And although Jaidon Anthony's shot shortly afterwards prompted hopeful calls for handball after being blocked by Tchamadeu, the hosts struggled to create clear openings.
But Burnley's push for a goal, along with their sometimes nervous play from the back, presented Stoke with opportunities.
Bae Jun-ho quickly countered after a failed Burnley attack with a skilful run and a dangerous shot from 20 yards that deflected behind.
Lewis Koumas came closest to scoring in the 76th minute, showing intricate footwork to beat Lucas Pires before unleashing a shot that Trafford tapped onto the crossbar.
And in eventful stoppage time, Stoke substitute Sam Gallagher almost headed Junho's free-kick at the far post, while Burnley's Josh Laurent headed over an open goal from Josh Brownhill's deflected shot at the death.
The administrators
Burnley's Scott Parker:
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Stoke's Daffodil Pelach:
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