Accra Hearts of Oak's poor home form continued when they were held to a goalless draw by Holy Stars on Sunday.

Consecutive home draws with Dreams F.C., Bechem United, and Berekum Chelsea gave Sunday's match an added layer of importance for Hearts, who started the match desperate to end that run.

Two minutes into the game, a loose ball fell to Hamza Issah in the box but he failed to make a clean contact with the ball with the goal at his mercy.

Moments later, Holy Stars threatened at the other end but Benjamin Asare was out of his box to clear the ball before Prince Ocran got to the ball.

The basketball-feel to the game continued as Hearts went close again. Mawuli Wayo peeled off Francis Asante but could not connect to George Paaku's cross.

Eight minutes into the match, Martin Karikari headed Ransford Mensah's back in play, but Hamza Issah missed again.

Holy Stars regrouped, keeping Hearts at bay but not for long.

Midway through the first half, a poor Hamza Issah finish spared their blushes after Kwaku Boateng found him unmarked in the box.

Next, it was Martin Karikari who shot straight at Dubi Kassi after George Paaku's through ball found him.

Two minutes later, Gideon Quaison forced a brilliant save from Hearts keeper Benjamin Asare, who had to adjust his body to save the shot with his right arm.

Asare produced another fine save from the resultant corner; a firm grab to stop Moses Arthur's goal-bound header.

Ten minutes before the break, Holy Stars midfielder Francis Gyetsuah was booked for a stamp on Paaku.

The rest of the first half was no more than a sparring session as both teams played cautiously.

The second half followed a similar pattern, characterised by errors by both sides.

64 minutes into the game, Hearts of Oak's Kelvin Osei-Asibey was sent off after bringing down Prince Tweneboah.
Asibey had failed to clear a long ball from a Holy Stars counter break, before bringing down the winger in a desperate move to stop him from scoring.

Hearts regrouped and came close to taking the lead when Holy Stars keeper Dubi Kassi missed a cross, but Karikari failed to keep his shot down.

Despite their numerical disadvantage, it was Hearts who kept probing for the winner, but were ultimately foiled by their disjointed attack.

On the cusp of full time, Benjamin Asare produced a brilliant one-on-one against Gideon Quaison to keep the score goalless.

Spurred by the chance, Holy Stars poured forward in added time and should have scored when Patrick Ocran was put through on goal.

But his effort found the corner flag instead of the net.

Sunday's draw leaves Hearts in third place with 41 points, five behind league leaders Medeama S.C.

Holy Stars are now on 33 points, five above the relegation zone.