Ryan Shawcross’ interim spell as Stoke manager ended with a creditable goalless draw at Burnley that dented the hosts’ automatic promotion bid.

The Potters announced the appointment of Mark Robins as their new boss on the morning of the game, 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 even more 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 adjudged he had deliberately stamped on the Stoke right-back as he ran past.

The visitors’ recent improvement continued, however, as they followed a home win over Sunderland by holding Burnley to a seventh goalless draw of the season.

Burnley’s defensive mastery continues, with the nine goals conceded in 25 games to date having them well on course to record the lowest goals against tally since the Championship came into being 20 years ago.

That record is currently held by Watford in 2020-21 and Preston in 2005-06, who both conceded 30 times.

But despite their defensive achievements, goals remain a challenge for Burnley in their bid to return to the top flight.

After scoring nine goals in their first two games of the campaign, the ensuing 23 matches have seen them score just 21 times.

The first half was one of almost complete control from Parker’s men but ended with visiting goalkeeper Viktor Johansson not having a save to make.

A series of hopeful long-range shots hardly troubled Johansson and, indeed, Stoke actually ended 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 for a half-chance before the break which, again, found Trafford easily up to the task.

Stoke’s attacking threat continued after the break, with Trafford forced to make his first real save of the game from Cannon’s well-guided volley.

And, although Jaidon Anthony’s shot shortly afterwards drew hopeful appeals for handball after it was blocked by Tchamadeu, the hosts struggled to create clear openings.

But Burnley’s push for a goal, along with their sometimes nervous play out from the back, offered Stoke chances.

Bae Jun-ho quickly countered from one failed Burnley attack with a skilful run and dangerous 20-yard shot which deflected behind.

Lewis Koumas came closest to a goal in the 76th minute, showing intricate footwork to beat Lucas Pires before unleashing a shot which Trafford tipped onto the crossbar.

And in an eventful stoppage time, Stoke substitute Sam Gallagher almost headed in 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.