League leaders Dempo were held to a goalless draw by Durand Cup champions Salgaocar in a National Football League encounter at the Nehru Stadium in Margao, Goa, on Monday.

Both teams had numerous opportunities to break the deadlock but their forwards were found wanting at the goalmouth.

Dempo still lead the standings with 21 points from ten matches while Salgaocar were in fourth place with 17 points from 11 outings.

Even though the Durand Cup winners had the first attempt at the opponent's goal, their midfield was found wanting for most of the 90 minutes losing possession at crucial moments.

But the Dempo forwards never looked capable of taking advantage of the openings as they either failed to connect some good crosses or just managed to kick the ball directly to Salgaocar custodian Rajat Ghosh Dastidar.

In the second half both teams went for the kill but with the defenders standing tall against all aggression neither create an impression on the scoreline.

Salgaocar dictated terms in the dying minutes and had three scoring chances but first Felix's shot missed the target narrowly and later Climax's header hit the bar off Dharamjit Singh.

Dempo defender Sameer Naik also made a goalline save to deny Dharamjit Singh.

Referee L G Sharma showed yellow cards to Salgaocar's Remus Gomes and Dempo's Nacimento Silveira.