Goal droughts continue for Tehran giants

The hotly-contested Tehran derby failed to live up to expectations as both sides failed to find the net for the third league match in a row.

Chances were few and far between in the match. Reza Jabari went closest for Pirouzi when his first half effort was punched out by Esteghlal goalie Davood Fanaei, while Behnam Abolghasempour shot wide when he was put clear on goal with only the Pirouzi goalkeeper to beat 15 minutes from time.

The most notable moment of the game came just a minute from time when Alireza Vahedi Nikbakht was given his marching orders following his second yellow card offence. Clearly incensed by the decision, the Esteghlal left winger had to be restrained by his teammates as he vented his anger on the referee.

The results mean that both sides continue their recent barren runs in front of goal. Prior to Thursday's match Estghlal had drawn 0-0 with Foolad and Fajr Shiraz in their most recent games, while Pirouzi were held 0-0 by Pas and lost 0-1 to Bargh Shiraz.

Despite the goalscoring troubles of Esteghlal and Pirouzi, the Tehran giants still occupy the top two places in the league with Esteghlal, on 41 points, holding a two-point lead over their city rivals.

Closest challengers Pas and ZobeAhan have managed to close in on the leaders in recent weeks but both sides remain three points behind Esteghlal after being held to goalless draws by Sepahan and Foolad respectively on Wednesday.