By 
Vipers SC were held to a goalless draw by a determined Police FC side in a Uganda Premier League encounter played at the Kira Road Police Arena on Tuesday afternoon.
The league leaders dominated possession and created the better scoring opportunities throughout the contest, but poor finishing, the woodwork and determined Police defending denied them victory.
Police FC nearly stunned the visitors as early as the fifth minute when Charles Bbaale capitalised on a mistake by Hilary Mukundane, only for Kevin Dasylva to produce a vital last-ditch block.
Vipers gradually took control after the early scare and repeatedly threatened the Police defence, which was forced into a deep defensive shape for long periods.
The visitors came close in the 30th minute when Glodi Beyuku Munsi burst down the wing and delivered a brilliant cross for Odili Chukwuma, whose well-timed header drifted inches wide.
Five minutes later, Usama Arafat forced a save from close range before Karim Watambala fired the rebound off target as Vipers continued to pile pressure on the hosts.
Just before halftime, Chukwuma again caused problems after surging past the Police right-back and picking out Glodi Beyuku, but Deus Bukenya intercepted the dangerous final pass.
The Venoms returned strongly after the break and nearly broke the deadlock in the 47th minute when Glodi Beyuku struck the post before Richard Matovu brilliantly blocked Karim Watambala’s rebound effort off the line.
Vipers thought they had finally scored in the 60th minute after Deus Bukenya handled the ball near the edge of the area. Usama Arafat curled the resulting free-kick onto the woodwork before Taddeo Lwanga converted the rebound, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
Karim Watambala missed another golden opportunity eight minutes later, heading narrowly wide from Odili Chukwuma’s inviting cross.
Despite dominating the encounter, the Venoms were unable to find the breakthrough as Police FC defended resolutely to secure a valuable point at home.
The result means Vipers have now drawn three consecutive league matches following a 1-1 draw against KCCA FC at Lugogo and another 1-1 stalemate against URA FC at St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende.
With only two matches left to play this season, Vipers remain top of the Uganda Premier League standings with 61 points from 28 matches, six points ahead of second-placed KCCA FC, who face UPDF FC on Wednesday.
The Venoms are also seven points ahead of third-placed Kitara FC, who host Express FC in the late kickoff on Tuesday at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo.
