Bristol City's Nicky Maynard went closest to breaking the deadlock in an entertaining 0-0 Championship draw with Cardiff at Ninian Park. Last season's beaten play-off finalists were completely outplayed by their hosts in the opening 45 minutes and had goalkeeper Adriano Basso to thank for keeping the scores level.
But after Maynard hit the bar just before half-time the Robins were on top after the break and could have grabbed all three points themselves.
Cardiff made a bright start and after Peter Whittingham smashed over from the edge of the area, former Wolves striker Jay Bothroyd forced the first good save from Basso when he sent in a low left-footed drive.
Joe Ledley was next to chance his arm as the Welsh side poured forward before Bothroyd headed straight at Basso.
The Brazilian goalkeeper was again called into action as he tipped a Parry shot around the post before the torrid start by Gary Johnson's side got even worse when the injured Brian Wilson had to be replaced by Gavin Williams.
Paul Parry - who caused waves this week with his surprise retirement from international duty with Wales - then nearly made the headlines for the right reasons when he headed inches wide.
But Maynard then nearly stole the lead for the visitors on their first attack.
The former Crewe striker collected a pass from Michael McIndoe before sending in a curling left-footed effort from 25 yards which looped over Tom Heaton in the Cardiff net but struck the face of the crossbar.
Maynard then forced Heaton into a sprawling save with a cleverly placed shot after the break as the visitors began to claw themselves into the game.
It was the Robins who were now dictating the tempo with Maynard a real threat up front but Roger Johnson almost had the hosts ahead when they forced a corner on the break.
Ledley swung the ball over and Johnson powered a header past Basso only to see right-back Bradley Orr hook the ball to safety from on the goalline.
Johnson was then called into defensive action at the other end when he did well to block McIndoe's goalbound shot before Maynard was again denied by Basso.
Cole Skuse then lobbed Heaton with a header on the run but saw the ball drift wide of the far post before Cardiff midfielder Gavin Rae had the final sight of goal when he fired over from the edge of the area.
