Defending champions Chennaiyin FC were held to a goalless draw by Kerala Blasters in the Southern derby of Hero Indian Super league at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, here on Saturday.
In a tale of two halves, Chennaiyin FC were the dominate side in the first session, creating plenty of chances but could not give finishing touches.
Kerala Blasters were the stronger of the two teams in the second session but couldn't keep their shots on target despite having the better chances.
The draw did neither teams' any good. Chennaiyin FC occupy the fourth spot after their second consecutive draw with nine points from six matches, while Kerala Blasters continue their onward progress and they too now have nine points.
In the second minute itself, Chennaiyin FC could have taken the lead. Raphael Augusto won the ball in Kerala's own half and played it down for Dudu Omagbemi whose left-footer was nervously parried away by Kerala goalkeeper Sandip Nandy before a defender kicked it away for a corner.
The best chance of the first half fell at the feet of Bernard Mendy. A cross from Baljit Sahni towards the far post found Mendy, who sidestepped Cedric Hengbart but his shot from close range ended up hitting the side netting.
Kerala Blasters did not have a single shot on goal in the first session and were much improved in the second session with eight shots, three of them on target.