Holders Mahindra United on Saturday received a jolt in their race to retain the National Football League title as they were held to a goalless draw by Mohammedan Sporting in Kolkata.

Mahindra still lead the league with eight points from five outings, while Sporting lie three points behind them after playing the same number of matches.

After an evenly poised first half at the Barasat Stadium, Mahindra dominated the proceedings in the second half, but failed to earn full points as either their front liners were wide off the mark, or Sporting goalkeeper Gopal Das foiled their attempts.

Gopal was rightly chosen the man of the match for his fine performance.

The visitors got a chance to forge ahead as early as in the third minute but medio Venkatesh's shot went out narrowly. Sporting also forced their chance to take the lead but medio Basudev Mondal's free kick was headed over by Presten around midway through the first half.