Pune: Bharat FC survived early charge from Dempo Sports Club before holding on to a goalless draw in their debut match in the Hero I-League football Round 2 match at the Balewadi Sports Complex on Saturday.

Bharat FC coach Stuart Watkiss will be a happy man to survive Dempo onslaught in his first competitive match in the I-League, while the Goa team coach Arthur Papas will rue the chances his team failed to convert despite playing better football than the home team.

While it the was season’s first match for Bharat FC, Dempo drew their second straight match. Dempo is placed at No 4 position with 2 points while Bharat FC had one point and at No 7 position.

Dempo were the clear favourites for the game as they took on the first timers Bharat FC.

The first half was a goalless affair. Dempo dominated the proceedings as as they began attacking right from the start. Mandar Rao Desai from Dempo was almost closed in the sixth minute when Holicharan Narzary who was down the flank passed the ball to Rao who pulled a good cross which went wide.

The Goans had another chance to take the lead when Carlos Hernandez, who was a few yards away from the goal took a shot which sadly sailed above the goal post.

Bharat FC also got a couple of opportunities when Steven Dias who got a free kick sent the ball straight to Mehrajuddin Wadoo whose header went down and could not make it to the nets.

Steven Dias got another chance when he took shot directly towards the goal, it was then that Dempo captain Calum Angus cam in between and his header ensured that the ball was out of the danger area.

Dempo continued attacking in the second half as they tried to take the lead. For Bharat FC it was all about good defending which saved the day for the hosts.

Both the teams got a couple of chances but none of them made it to the nets.

Being the first game and playing against the Goan giants. Bharat FC did a good job of holding and snatching a draw.