Cardiff City and West Ham fought out a goalless draw at Ninian Park with the Hammers' new boss Alan Pardew happier with the outcome.
"It's a tough place to come, but I think we showed a lot of character. We invited them to move the ball around but David James showed why he is England's number one with some super saves, we defended well but need to threaten the opposition goal much more.
"We were disrupted early on when David Connolly was injured and at half time Hayden Mullins also had to be replaced and we had a few scary moments, but I am well satisfied with the outcome.
"No-one is going to run away with this division, but I believe we have a little extra quality than most sides and that may just be enough.
"Cardiff also have a number of good players and could force themselves up into being play-off contenders.
"I am unbeaten after two games but I would dearly love to get my first win. The relegation has taken its toll on the club and we really need to get a few more players in as soon as possible."
It was Gavin Gordon who missed a glorious chance to open the scoring late in the first half when he headed a Tony Vidmar cross wide of the post with only James to beat.
Defences were generally on top, but in the 66th minute it looked as though Cardiff would make the breakthrough when John Robinson cut through the Hammers defence to fire a low shot which struck the foot of the post with James beaten.
Cardiff: Alexander, Croft, Vidmar, Gabbidon, Barker, Bonner, Kavanagh, Robinson, Langley, Gordon, Earnshaw. Subs: Prior, Whalley, Collins, Gray, Margetson.
West Ham: James, Stockdale, Repka, Dailly, Mullins, Etherington, Hutchison, Carrick, Quinn, Connolly, Defoe. Subs: Lee, Ferdinand, Kilgallon, Bywater, Mellor.
Referee: M Ryan (Lancashire).