Foster heroics denies Fulham

West Brom goalkeeper Ben Foster earned a point for his side with a series of fine saves in Saturday's 0-0 draw against Fulham at the Hawthorns.

Foster had gifted Stoke substitute Ryan Shotton a last-gasp winner in Albion's last home game, but the former Manchester United star atoned with superb stops in quick succession to keep out Cottagers defender John Arne Riise and substitute Bryan Ruiz.

Albion moved off the bottom of the table thanks to Foster's exploits, while Fulham, who are fourth bottom, are still looking for their first league win of the season.

West Brom were the first to threaten with Youssouf Mulumbu dispossessed Pajtim Kasami 20 yards out and forcing a sprawling save by Mark Schwarzer.

But Fulham dominated the remainder of the first half. Albion had a let-off after 12 minutes when Kasami converted from close range, only for his effort to be ruled out for offside.

Martin Jol's visitors came close again, with Foster clinging onto a Clint Dempsey header.

Fulham were still the more dangerous team in the second half and twice went close to going ahead.

The woodwork came to West Brom's rescue when defender Jonas Olsson inadvertently deflected a volley by Dempsey against his own bar.

Peter Odemwingie had a great chance to put Albion in front after 64 minutes when he ran on to a through ball from Mulumbu but he shot straight at Schwarzer.

But only a superb double save by Foster prevented Bryan Ruiz from making an immediate impact.

The former Manchester United keeper blocked a fiercely driven free-kick by Riise with Foster then up quickly to turn the follow-up effort from Ruiz onto a post from two yards out.

Chris Brunt nearly earned Albion victory in injury-time when his low cross-shot hit the post.