Dempo's challenge to East Bengal for the title virtually ended when they were held to a goalless draw by Salgaocar in the 8th National Football League played at Nehru stadium in Margao on Sunday.

The first half was confined to midfield and Dempo started on a promising note but lacked the killer instinct. The absence of Clifford Miranda was largely felt in the attack. However, they had the first chance to score early in the 5th minute when Jose Colaco relayed the ball to R C Prakash who after taking a defender on stride had only to beat keeper Dastidar but ended shooting straight at him.

Salgaocar, who did not look impressive in the first half, came with renewed ideas as they attacked the rival half and could have taken lead but first Micky Fernandes failed to guide Jatin Bist cross in the 47th minutes and a minute later, Aliba failed to connect a well directed cross from Tomba Singh from the left.

Salgaocar enjoyed the edge in the second half and went all out in the dying minutes but were unlucky in the 86th minute when a cross from Jatin Bist inside the box saw Climax Lawerence header hitting the woodwork.

Dempo, who were adrift by five points at the start of the match, needed a win to stay in contention for the title and have collected 36 points from 19 matches.

East bengal who has played one match less than Dempo are firmly placed at the top of the table with 40 points and are poised to clinch the title for the third time. Salgaocar are placed 8th with 22 points from 19 matches.