Salgaocar FC's chance to close the gap at the top was frustrated by United Sports Club as they played out a goal-less draw in a 21st round match of the I-League here today.
Salgaocar, who were looking to close the gap at the top against Bengaluru FC, were frustrated by the rival defenders who put up a solid performance to subdue Dudu Omagbemi and Darryl Duffy upfront.
The visitors, who are now in the danger of falling into the relegation zone, took time to settle down but once they found their bearing, they made repeated forays in the rival citadel and could have taken the lead had it not been for home team keeper Karanjit Singh's brilliant work under the bar.
Karanjit brought off three diving saves to keep the slate clean for Salgaocar.
The draw takes Salgaocar to 34 points from 20 matches to remain second while United took their tally to 21 points from 20 matches.
Salgaocar were on the roll after winning five matches on the trot and they started well by keeping the ball possession with quick short passes and had the first chance to score when Dudu played a pass to Duffy but keeper Abhijit Das came out in time to deny him a goal.
Defender Augustin Fernandes too came close to scoring but his header missed the target narrowly from a flag kick with United rival keeper Das coming out of his charge and failing to intercept the ball.
Kunal Waheed, who looked dangerous on the right flank, nearly gave the the visitors the lead just before the interval when his volley from the left was saved by a leaping keeper Karanjit Singh.
