Mahindra United's title aspirations suffered a setback as they finished goalless with three-time champions Mohun Bagan in an eighth National Football League match in Kolkata on Tuesday.
The match, a story of poor passing, inept shooting and unimaginative midfield action, tested the patience of the handful of spectators at the Salt Lake stadium.
Mahindra came close to scoring as early as the third minute. S Venkatesh followed up a low ball from right back Sanjay Parte and crossed to Abhishek Yadav, whose shot ballooned over.
A little later, Bagan had a chance when Rocus Lamarre essayed an inviting centre from the left into the box, but Mehtab Hossain failed to nod in.
Crossing over, Bagan had a close look at the Mahindra goal in the 80th minute. Zimbabwean Noel Kassack gave a defence splitting pass inside the box for Ashim Biswas, who controlled the ball well, but placed it out.
The rituals were gone through in slow motion for the remaining part of the match.
After 14 matches, Mahindra have 24 points, while Bagan are on 19.