Goalless stalemate for Bagan, United

Local rivals Mohun Bagan and United SC played out a drab goalless draw in an uninspiring display in their I-League fixture at the Kalyani Stadium here today.
United SC had the best chance in the second half when substitute Baldeep Singh's header hit the cross piece as both the teams failed to produce a goal to take one point each.
The result keeps Mohun Bagan (25 from 23) two points ahead of United SC (23 from 22) but both the teams are still not safe from relegation.
The first real chance of the game fell to United SC as Biswajit Biswas had a free header from an Eric Brown freekick but the youngster could not hit the target.

Brown created another opportunity for Mohammed Rafique but Mohun Bagan custodian Shilton Paul stood in the way.
Mohun Bagan slowly got into the game with Katsumi Yusa producing a fine solo run but his shot missed the target.

Captain Odafa Okolie tried his luck from a freekick but his effort went over the bar.
With the match kicking off in the scorching afternoon heat, the referee allowed the players to have a mini drinks break midway through the first period.
That interval rejuvenated both teams but they cancelled each other out in midfield.
Mohun Bagan's Christopher Chizoba produced a decent run towards the end of the half but slipped at the crucial moment.

Both coaches made changes at the start of the second period and Mohun Bagan substitute Ujjal Howladar nearly made an instant impact as he tested Sangram Mukherjee in the 52nd minute.
Minutes later, United SC had the best effort of the game as substitute Baldeep hit the bar with a header after Brown's corner delivery.
Barring those two openings, the match was a scrappy affair in the second half with both sides looking to score but lacked the cutting edge upfront.