Newcastle United saw their final away game of the season fizzle out to a goalless draw at the Amex Stadium this evening.
Chances for both sides were few and far between, but whilst the hosts shaded the first half, Andy Carroll could have won it late on with a trademark header.
For Graham Potter's men, it was a point that took them beyond the reach of the relegation places, whilst his opposite number Steve Bruce and his Magpies side can't finish above 13th.
There's an element of disappointment in that given how well they were playing immediately after the restart, but nine games in quick succession was always going to catch up.
Bruce pleased with endeavour
Speaking after the full-time whistle, the United boss was accepting of a draw in spite of a dull encounter.
"That's our 10th game in 35 days and we've got a lot of tired bodies. We can't rotate like some of them and be as effective. Jo (Joelinton) and Andy (Carroll) gave us a different option from the pace of Allan (Saint-Maximin) and that helped us a little bit.
"Andy is beating himself up in the dressing room. It was a classic Andy Carroll one at the far post. He knows he maybe should have scored the winner for us.
An up-and-down season
"I let other people reflect on it (the season). It's been difficult along the way, it's been difficult for everyone concerned with all this (the takeover saga) that has gone on but we've done OK. We must keep moving the club forward.
"44 points - I think I would have taken that if I'm being honest. I think we were safe when we beat Southampton in March if I'm honest. To keep them right and with nothing really to play for, the spirit goes a long way.
"Of course we will get beaten at times but I was delighted with the way they played against Tottenham. I was delighted with the first half against Watford before we conceded two goals."
The only task for Newcastle left now is to welcome the newly-crowned champions, Liverpool, to Tyneside at St James' Park this Sunday.