Millwall moved back up to second place in the Sky Bet Championship but were forced to settle for a goalless draw against West Bromwich Albion at The Hawthorns.

The Lions climbed one point clear of Ipswich Town – who have three matches in hand – and Middlesbrough in the race for automatic promotion, with both rivals in action on Saturday.

Chances were at a premium in a tight first half, though the visitors came closest to breaking the deadlock. Josh Coburn volleyed wide after meeting Thierno Ballo’s inviting delivery, while Mihailo Ivanovic rattled the crossbar with a curling effort from distance.

Millwall looked a threat on the counter early on, Ballo going close after being slipped through by Ivanovic, but neither side managed a shot on target before the interval.

Albion showed more intent after the restart. Daryl Dike headed over and Jayson Molumby dragged an effort wide as the hosts grew into the contest.

The Baggies had to wait until the 82nd minute for their first shot on target, but it nearly proved decisive. Molumby latched onto a loose ball inside the box, only for Millwall goalkeeper Anthony Patterson to produce an outstanding point-blank save, diverting the effort wide.

From the resulting corner, Ousmane Diakite headed narrowly past the post as Albion pressed for a winner. Despite eight minutes of added time, neither side could find a breakthrough as the contest ended in a hard-fought stalemate.

The result extends West Brom’s unbeaten run under James Morrison to seven matches and moves them five points clear of the relegation zone ahead of the remaining weekend fixtures.

Millwall kept at bay by West Brom as promotion race tightens

Millwall kept at bay by West Brom as promotion race tightens