Some resolute defending enabled Sporting Clube de Goa to hold Kolkata giants Mohun Bagan to a goalless draw in the National Football League match at the Nehru Stadium in Margao on Saturday.

With this result, Sporting took their tally to nine points from eight matches while Bagan have eight from as many games.

Both teams started at a fast pace and the visitors, despite the absence of some key players, held sway putting the Sporting defence under pressure.

They had the best chance to break through in the dying minutes of the first half when Dulal Biswas laid a square pass to Lalawmpuia inside the box who shot straight at goalkeeper Luis Barreto.

Biswas, who overlapped often on the right flank, tested Barreto with a long ranger, but the Sporting keeper was equal to the task.

Sporting, who found their groove in the latter part of the first period, twice came close to scoring.

Joe Rodrigues' shot from inside the box deflected out off defender Mehrajuddin Wadoo's leg in the 31st minute, and a minute later, Dudu Omagbemi's header off a Nicholas Rodrigues flag kick went inches over.

Sporting coach Clifford Chukwuma introduced Nicolas Nath to give thrust in their attack, but the striker failed to impress.

Bagan who pressed hard in search of a goal were unlucky in the 82nd minute when Dulal Biswas' shot from the top of the box came back off the crossbar.

Nath had the best chance for Sporting in the dying minutes but the striker failed to cash in as he drove the ball wide from close range.