Middlesbrough's relegation fears increase with 0-0 draw

LONDON (Reuters) - Middlesbrough's Premier League relegation fears increased Saturday with a 0-0 draw at home to Fulham.

Stoke City moved eight points clear of the relegation zone courtesy of midfielder Liam Lawrence's winner against a resolute Blackburn Rovers.

A first half header from on-loan striker Djibril Cisse gave Sunderland three precious points in a 1-0 win over Hull City while Portsmouth beat Bolton Wanderers 1-0 to move six points clear of the drop zone.

Fifth placed Aston Villa drew 1-1 with West Ham United to make it eight league games without a win.

Boro move above Newcastle United, and are six points clear of bottom club West Bromwich Albion, but remain in the relegation zone three points adrift of Blackburn.

(Reporting by Neil Maidment; editing by Alan Baldwin)