Ismaily lost further ground in the Egyptian Premier League race after playing out a dull goalless draw with Maqassa on Sunday. Chances were few and far between in a dour affair as Ismaily stumbled again following last week's stunning 1-0 defeat at home to relegation-threatened Arab Contractors. The Dervishes mounted late pressure but were let down by poor finishing from striker Mohsen Abou-Greisha, who was once again disappointing. The third-placed team are now four points behind second-placed Ahly and seven adrift of leaders Zamalek, who are favorites to end a seven-year wait for the title. Coach Emad Soliman turned around the fortunes of Ismaily after replacing Dutch tactician Mark Wotte last month but the recent poor results hindered the team's progress. Ismaily won the last of their three league titles in 2002 after beating off competition from bitter foes Ahly in a memorable campaign.
