Oxford United's undefeated start under Gary Rowett in the league rolled onto eight games after a solid 0-0 draw away to Stoke CIty.
Oxford came closest to winning the contest when debutant Ole Romeny hit the bar with eight minutes remaining, with earlier chances also falling for Cameron Brannagan and Greg Leigh, however, the points were shared in the end.
Gary Rowett made two changes to the side that beat Luton Town on Tuesday night. He handed a first start to Tom Bradshaw, with Mark Harris making way, while Matt Phillips was also rested, with Rúben Rodrigues back in the team.
Oxford started on the front foot and their attacking intent was clear from the off, with two shots in the opening three minutes and the ball rarely in the United half in the first five.
In the 13th minute Brannagan's shot from the edge of the area brought the first meaningful save of the game, Viktor Johansson diving to his left to prevent the ball from sneaking in just inside the post.
Jamie Cumming had to make a save from Andrew Moran after Peter Kioso's back pass fell short and two minutes later he was at the feet of Lewis Koumas as he broke through, the Stoke player colliding with the post,
United came close to taking the lead right on the stroke of half time as a spell of pressure ended with Greg Leigh's powerful drive from a tight angle pushed away by Johansson.
It was a frantic start to the second period and United should arguably gone in front five minutes in, when Siriki Dembélé played a ball behind the Potters defence for Bradshaw to run on to, but Johannson did well to come out and smother the ball.
Cumming was forced into action shortly after the U's had made a triple change, as he went full length to palm away an Enda Stevens effort, but that was as good as it got for the home team.
There was a debut appearance for Romeny when he replaced Will Vaulks with 12 minutes remaining, and he almost made an instant impact, robbing Johannson as he came out to shield a loose ball by the left touchline, but his shot from a tight angle came back off the crossbar.
A draw means another point on the board as United continue to look up. Back at home next Saturday for the visit of Bristol City, Oxford continue to progress.
UNITED: Cumming, Brown, Vaulks (Romeny 79), Płacheta (Phillips 88), Brannagan, Rodrigues (Matos 65), Leigh, Dembélé (Goodrham 65), Kioso, Helik, Bradshaw (Harris 64)
Unused subs: Ingram, Long, El Mizouni, ter Avest
Attendance: 22,911 (including 2,010 from Oxford)
Report: Martin Brodetsky; Photography: JasonPix, Steve Edmunds, Steve Daniels, Darrell Fisher
