Local giants East Bengal and Dempo Sports Club, Goa, finished goalless to retain their positions at the top of the table in the 11th National Football League at Barasat on Saturday.

After six matches, East Bengal, Dempo and Mahindra United have gleaned 11 points to remain ahead of the other teams in the high profile league.

Dempo were the better side on view in the Barasat stadium encounter, though East Bengal also got a few chances.

The Goans initially depended on sudden counter attacks, but went all out after the change of ends. The Brazilian Ranty Martins was the fulcrum of the Dempo moves. But East Bengal custodian Rajat Ghoshdastidar brought off some fine saves to prevent his side's collapse.

East Bengal had a good chance in the third minute when following a long throw in from the right, Izumi Arata headed towards the goal and Ambani, who was following the ball, tried to nod home, but only managed to hit the bar.

A little later, Dempo came close to scoring as East Bengal stopper M Suresh delayed a clearance and the dangerous Anthony Pereira charged him. However, Suresh finally managed to put the ball out for a corner.

East Bengal's strength was depleted as Alvito de Cunha left the ground with a calf injury, while Covan Lawrence went out following a hand-swing problem.