LONDON. Apr 3 (Reuters/ Internet): Aston Villa and West Ham saw their hopes of a UEFA Cup place fade even further on Friday after they fought out a goalless draw at Villa Park.

Villa created more chances in a match played positively by both sides but. in the end. they had to settle for a point apiece in this premier league battle.

The Birmingham side remain sixth in the standings with 45 points on the back of a disastrous run which has seen them lose seven of their last nine games.

West Ham stay fifth on 47 points -- and both teams know that fourth place or better is needed to qualify for a UEFA Cupplace.

The match began badly for the visitors when England squad defender Rio Ferdinand was stretchered off in only the sixth minute with damaged ankle ligaments after being fouled by Mark Draper.

Then, despite gaining better possession before the break, the Hammers saw Villa three times come close to scoring.

A curving long-range shot from striker Dion Dublin was neatly saved by goalkeeper Shaka Hislop and later Ian Taylor just failed to slide onto the end of a precision Draper cross.

in the 44th minute. Villa enjoyed their best chance of the half when Dublin out-jumped the West Ham defence only to see his header bounce back off the left post.

Then West Ham, looking for their fifth win in seven league games, came even closer to going one-up a minute later when Cameroon signing Mark Vivien Foe split the Villa defence with an angled through ball.