Somerset Trojans, the Premier Division leaders, blew an opportunity to go four points clear of nearest rivals Hamilton Parish after being held to a scoreless draw against fellow title contenders PHC Zebras at Somerset Cricket Club last night.

In fact, Trojans could consider themselves lucky to come away with a share of the spoils as Zebras carved out the most chances and had the ball in the back of the net twice, only to have their efforts waved off by Elihu Holmes, the referee, for offside and a foul.

With a better touch in the attacking third, Zebras could have moved to within a point of second placed Parish.

The sight of midfielder-turned-striker, Robert Richardson, making his first start since returning from knee injury, blasting over with the goal at his mercy best summed up PHC’s frustration on the night.

Though their own clear-cut chances were far fewer, Somerset did have their moments, Justin Corday, the midfielder, heading Adolphus Lambert’s corner kick over the bar and then forcing Jay Smith, the PHC goalkeeper, to make a fingertip save to repel a swerving free kick.

Earlier, Tahj Wade, the Trojans frontman, shot tamely at Smith when scoring seemed easier while Leo Burgess, the Trojans striker, dragged a shot wide after getting behind the PHC defence.

That proved to be the closest Trojans came to scoring and they should thank their lucky stars that PHC left their shooting boots at home because the outcome could have turned out entirely different.

With so much at stake in terms of league title race, both teams started the match with a flurry in search of a breakthrough.

Zebras threatened first to crack the ice somewhat against the run of play when Cecoy Robinson, the PHC midfielder, brought off a superb save by Shaquille Bean, the Trojans goalkeeper, with an ambitious lob from outside of the area.

Trojans created space in PHC’s half and tormented the visiting side with the long ball.

But like their rivals, the home side also lacked cutting edge around the box and many promising raids fizzled out.

After Wade and Burgess both squandered chances, Trojans were fortunate not to go into the break trailing, Bean making a fine save at the far post to deny Jahnai Raynor, the PHC midfielder.

A draw seemed a fair result, leaving both teams to ponder what might have been had their finishing been more clinical.