By Matthew Nicoletti

Canberra FC and Canberra Olympic played out the first goalless draw of the season on Sunday in a stalemate at Deakin. 

The hosts were looking to rebound after a draw against the Rhinos two weeks prior, while Olympic came in off the back of their Federation Cup final win last weekend.

The visitors started strongly, as Stephen Domenici forced Sam Brown into a good save early on in the piece.

However, Canberra FC fought back and began to assert themselves, and looked dangerous particularly through Kofi Danning down the right. Danning’s whipped cross found Domenic Giampaolo in the box however he was denied by Angelo Konstantinou in the Olympic goal as the hosts pressed for an opener.

Domenici had another chance shortly after as he robbed Michael Mensah of the ball at the back, but the striker mishit his shot and Brown was able to gather comfortably in the home net.

With the sides locked together at the half, it was all to play for in the second stanza, and Canberra FC came out strongly, as Niko Kresic forced a good save from Konstantinou early on in the half.

Both sides traded possession early in the half as neither was really able to settle, aside from an patch of play where Olympic continually threatened but were unable to break through a defence led brilliantly by Michael Mensah.

Play was stopped later on in the half as Kye Edwards collided heavily with his opposite number, and appeared to be badly hurt as he lay prone on the pitch..

Edwards was stretchered off the field after team doctor’s attended to him on the field, and the hosts were forced to play with 10 men having used all their substitutes.

But they still pushed for a result and came close with moments remaining, as a strike from out wide was only parried into space by Konstantinou, however no one was on hand for the home side to push in the rebound.

The result leaves Olympic even on points in first with the FFA Centre of Excellence, while Canberra FC occupy third spot just four points behind.