YCDC (red) and Home Affairs (gold) played out a dull draw last week.

HOME Affairs and YCDC played their final game of the Myanmar League season on February 25 but – judging by the pace of the encounter – most players decided to wind up the season a match early.

The result was a dull goalless draw and a match that neither of these relegation-threatened sides deserved to win.

But that suited both teams just fine, thanks. The point earned moved YCDC and Home Affairs three points clear of Myanma Railways, second from bottom and in the final relegation spot. Railways’ inferior goal difference meant they had to beat fifth-place Construction by four goals or more in their final match to maintain their Myanmar League status.

The task was beyond Railways, who went down 5-2 on February 27. The massive win for Construction meant they ended the season in fourth position, behind champions Comme-rce, Customs and third-placed Energy.

Railways will compete in the second tier next year with Telecomm-unications, who secured just two points from their 13 Myanmar League games and have been relegated for weeks.

Despite the lack of incentive, there were still opportunities for YCDC or Home Affairs to snatch the three points on offer at Aung San Stadium.

Home Affairs captain Sithu Win had the best chance of the match when he found himself one-on-one with YCDC keeper Hein Kyaw Thu in the 85th minute but couldn’t find the back of the net.

Despite that brief highlight, Home Affairs spent much of the 90 minutes snuffing out any creativity that YCDC stars Nyi Nyi Win, Win Thu and Hla Aye Htway tried to impart, smashing the ball long down the pitch at the merest hint of danger.

YCDC looked the better side in the opening period but were too hesitant in front of goal to pose any real threat.

The second half threw up more chances, particularly for Home Affairs, who started playing some passes instead of just hoofing it long.

On 58 minutes, Sithu Win looked to have carved out an opening but, five metres from the edge of the penalty area, he was held back by YCDC defender Aung Zaw Myo, who was subsequently shown a yellow card.

After Sithu Win squandered the game’s best chance with five minutes remaining, the crowd groaned audibly, as they realised a draw was inevitable.