The Hindu : Sport / Football : Goalless draw

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Apr 15, 2005

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Sport - Football

Goalless draw

MARGAO: Federation champions Dempo wasted clear chances during the second half to drop points as it settled for a goalless draw against Mahindra United in the 17th round of the National Football League here on Thursday.

Despite the draw at the Nehru Stadium, Dempo consolidated its position at the top of the table with 35 points from 17 matches while Mahindras remained on fifth place with 25 points from 17 matches.

Confined to midfeld in the first half, Dempo had the first clear chance to score when Melvin Rodrigues sent a long pass to Clifford Miranda from left. Miranda released the ball to an unmarked Isfaq Ahmed inside the box, who shot the ball wide off the target in haste.

Mahindra, which enjoyed the edge in the midfield with the ball possession in the first half, lacked thrust to trouble the rival defence.

It had the best chance in the 32nd minute but Flavio Rodrigues, on receiving pass from Ian Steve Dias, shot over.

Mahindras keeper Sandip Nandy's anticipation at the stroke of the lemon break saved it as he charged out to thwart R C Prakash from scoring off a through pass by defender Bolaji.

The change of ends saw Dempo holding the reign as it made incisive moves but lacked the sharpness in the attack missing at least three clear chances. The absence of its star striker Ranty Martins was felt. — PTI

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