Playing their first season in the ONGC [Get Quote] I-League, local outfit United Sporting Club held favourites Churchill Brothers to a goalless draw at Vidyasagar Stadium in Barasat on Sunday night.

Though on paper Churchill was termed favourites, it was United Sporting which dominated all through with medio Snehasish Chakrabarty and custodian Ravikant excelling in their respective areas.

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Besides feeding team forwards with good passes, Snehashish came down to strengthen the defence and was adjuged the Man of the Match.

Even Nigerian Odafa, the main striking force of the Goan side, could not penetrate the compact United defence.

After Odafa failed to cash in on an opportunity in the 10th minute before he was tackled by United defender Hardeep Saini, the local side wrested control of the game and made a series of raids on the rival fort, but their front liners Gauranga Dutta and Raleng failed to finish.

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United almost earned the lead in the 30th minute, but Snehashish's pile driver from a free kick missed the target narrowly.

As in first half, Churchill's attacks were stonewalled by the home side's defence in the second session. Once a fine attempt by Felix was smartly saved by United keeper Ravikant.

Churchill came near scoring in the 79th and 86th minutes but Ravikant saved Nicholus Rodrigue's punch and Zenith Genious' shot missed the target.

Both the teams now have earned four points each. United Sporting played three matches so far, Churchills have taken the field twice.