Marconi hindered a struggling Northern Spirit's chances of making the National Soccer League finals by holding its Sydney rival to a scoreless draw at Pittwater Park.

Spirit wasted no time in making chances for itself but was repeatedly met by a desperate Marconi defence with Chad Gibson clearing the ball away from the goal line on several occasions.

Acutely aware of its need for a win, Spirit made an early bid for a goal with midfielder Jonathon Richter firing just left of the post.

The action shifted momentarily to Marconi's attack with Brad Maloney kicking the ball wide of the mark.

Spirit replied with midfielder John Hutchinson shooting and missing in the 27th minute before Stewart Petrie picked up off Dylan Macallister from the right flank two minutes later, missing another key chance.

The Stallions' first real chance came five minutes before halftime with Alex Brosque's head-on goal charge met by Spirit keeper Paul Henderson.

Marconi keeper Michael Turnbull stopped several challenges by Macallister with another missed chance for Spirit when Macallister booted the ball straight for goal off a deflection.

Macallister was denied again three minutes before halftime with a solid header met by Turnbull.

Gibson stopped a Spirit goal by midfielder Noel Spencer in the 65th minute, deflecting the ball off the line.

Marconi was unwilling to grant Spirit the three points it desperately needs to make the top six.

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