IFA Shield runners-up Churchill Brothers survived a second-half onslaught to hold league leaders Dempo to a goalless draw in the seventh National Football League at the Nehru stadium in Fatorda, Goa, on Friday.

With this draw, Dempo have 20 points from nine matches and remain at the top of the table.

Churchill, with 14 points from nine matches, moved to fourth place.

Dempo, who dictated terms to their rivals especially in the second-half, had the major share of exchanges and scoring opportunities but were frustated by keeper Edward Ansah, who denied Dempo from scoring on at least four occasions.

Dempo settled to a rhythm and controlled the midfield. They created three scoring chances in the first 15 minutes but Bijen Singh and Sergey Andreev's headers lacked the power to beat Ansah.

Singh, who was not seen in action in the NFL's earlier rounds, troubled the rival defence on a few occasion but was unlucky in the 12th minute when his powerful header off a Clifford cross from the left hit the post.

Churchill, who arrived yesterday after participating in the IFA Shield, looked tired, especially in the second-half. But they gradually settled down and created two good scoring chances but Ratan Singh and substitute Bahadur failed to cash in.

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