Chances and excitement were at a premium at Molineux as Wolves and Sheffield United played out a dour goalless draw on New Year's Day.The appearance of veteran midfielder Gary Speed in the Blades' starting line-up was the most noteworthy event of a hugely disappointing afternoon in the Midlands.
The 38-year-old - on loan from Bolton with a view to a permanent deal - made his debut as one of three changes for United, but even he could not spark a goal as both sides started 2008 by failing to break their respective winless runs.
Speed did almost make a telling early impact - showing all of his experience to skip away from a challenge in midfield, but his 25-yard drive sailed over the crossbar.
Andrew Keogh responded after 10 minutes for Wolves, who surprisingly opted to name the same starting line-up that drew 1-1 with Norwich on Saturday.
It was scrappy stuff in the early stages and both sides struggled to retain possession.
Lee Hendrie gradually began to make his presence felt in the Blades midfield but his shot from the edge of the area after 25 minutes was easily held by Wolves goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey.
Jay Bothroyd's 30-yard shot which flew wide of the left upright 11 minutes before the break summed up a poor first half for Wolves, although the striker should have done better in the final minute when he headed over from a corner.
It was little better after the break.
Jon Stead's shot after 53 minutes scuffed wide of the target before, two minutes later, Hendrie came within a whisker of breaking the deadlock as he pounced on a loose ball six yards out, only for Hennessey to produce a superb block.
United were starting to force the upper hand and soon after Rob Hulse blasted an effort wide from outside the box.
Wolves sent on Stephen Elliott for Keogh in a bid to find the spark that was clearly missing, and with 16 minutes left the Irishman flashed a shot over the crossbar.
Freddy Eastwood soon joined him on the pitch as the hosts threw everything at nicking a winner but it was all to no avail.
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