Stoke City's winless run stretched to 10 matches after a dour stalemate with promotion hopefuls Reading at Bet365 Stadium.
Steven Fletcher found the net with an acrobatic finish in the game's first goalmouth action after 30 minutes but it was ruled out for offside.
Reading, who went into the game fifth in the table, struggled to create any clear-cut chances but did go close through Ovie Ejaria in the second half.
Jordan Cousins then had a late chance to win the game for Stoke, but Royals goalkeeper Rafael Cabral saved to preserve a point for the visitors.