FORMER champions St Michel failed to break down Praslin side Light Stars who held them to a goalless draw in an open affair at Stad Linite last Monday.

Light Stars, who had many chances to upset St Michel, ended the match with 10 men after substitute Jean-Paul Barra was sent off with five minutes remaining.

The game's first goalscoring opportunity in the second minute was created by St Michel with Marcel Labiche playing a quick free-kick to Randy Monthy who had drifted in from midfield  but he missed the target from close range.

Four minutes later, Light Stars had a good chance. Antonio Cushion laid the ball to Rwandan Magnifique Ndikumana who, with only goalie Dominic Change-Waye to beat, shot wide.

St Michel responded in the ninth minute. Roddy Victor's lofted pass was headed into Kenny Rath's path by Patrick Barra, but Light Stars' goalie Omar Wague thwarted the danger by tipping Rath's shot over the bar.

In the 18th minute, Mayele Kawembe shook off the challenge of St Michel's international defender Godfrey Denis but he made a meal of his shot.

On the stroke of half-time, Cushion missed a seater after having played a neat one-two with Hugh Jeanne.

After the resumption of play, Light Stars again threatened and in the 48th minute, Jeanne played a long ball to a suspiciously offside Kawembe but he inexplicably headed wide.

St Michel, who had weathered the storm, then showed more urgency to win to close the gap on the leaders. In the 55th minute, Barra headed Denis' cross straight into keeper Wague's gloves.

The Anse Aux Pins-based team were unlucky not to be awarded a penalty in the 78th minute after Barra was apparently bundled over in the penalty area by Cyrus Athanase. But surprisingly referee François Finesse booked Barra for diving when it was substitute Denis Zialor who should have received a booking for feigning injury.

Light Stars almost punished St Michel on the counter in the 84th minute with substitute Luc Lespoir presenting Jeanne with a glorious chance but he could not beat goalie Chang-Waye even though he was clean through.

A minute later, referee Finesse sent off Barra by dishing out two consecutive yellow cards which resulted in a red for dissent.