SYDNEY FC and Melbourne Victory have played out a scoreless draw to start their A-League campaigns, despite turning on a tense game with numerous scoring opportunities.

The arch-enemies were each missing several players through injury or suspension, but still put on an entertaining - if a little rusty and frustrating - show in front of 16,227 fans.

Melbourne had marginally the better of an end-to-end first half and might have rued missed chances by Ney Fabiano and Danny Allsopp. The visitors had the upper hand nearing the game's end, but were still unable to score.

The second half did not live up to the first. But with three opening-day points on the line, anxieties ran high and Sydney nearly stole a winner through debutant Shannon Cole.

In the 69th minute Cole fired in a fine free kick that left goalkeeper Michael Theoklitos rooted to the ground and rattled the goalpost.

It was indicative of a night that gave a glimpse into the future, with debutants and youngsters being given the chance to shine.

Each team could take confidence from having created numerous chances in the first half. The only missing ingredient was the finish.

It made sense, as the game was robbed of two of the league's most skilful strikers, with Sydney's Alex Brosque earning a suspension in the team's final pre-season hit-out two weeks ago and Melbourne's Archie Thompson picking up an ankle injury at the Olympic Games.

One wonders what Thompson might have done with the two brilliant chances that fell Melbourne's way in the first 10 minutes. Both Fabiano and Allsopp were thwarted by Sydney goalkeeper Clint Bolton. Fabiano's was a one-on-one that was deflected away by Bolton's legs, while Allsopp forced Bolton into a reflex save after getting a clear shot on goal from close range.

Sydney coach John Kosmina was forced to give 17-year-old Chris Payne his A-League debut up front, working primarily with Steve Corica, who is double Payne's age. It was Payne who had Sydney's first chance, but as he honed in on goal he was tackled at the last moment by Rodrigo Vargas. Kosmina had said Payne reminded him of Mark Viduka at a similar age and the solidly-built youngster certainly looked the part, finding space, holding up the ball and causing problems for the Melbourne defence.

Carlos Hernandez tested Bolton again in the first half when his free kick slipped under the wall. Sydney defender Jacob Timpano had received a yellow card for a deliberate handball, but Bolton cleaned up Hernandez's skimming shot.

Melbourne had another chance soon afterwards when the ball got past Robbie Middleby and fell to Allsopp. However, the striker slipped at the crucial moment on the edge of the six-yard box and the ball ended up with Fabiano, who was offside.

Moments later Vargas was given a yellow card for a professional foul and Sydney nearly found a way to goal, although no one managed to connect with Adam Casey's low cross.

Defender Kevin Muscat nearly opened the scoring early in the second half, but his sliding header from a corner flew wide.

At the other end, interplay between Corica, Payne and Simon Colosimo led to a shot from Colosimo. The new Sydney signing, however, failed to hit the ball cleanly and it rolled past the far post.

Kosmina replaced Payne with another new signing and Olympian, Mark Bridge, and Payne received a standing ovation.

Almost immediately, Bridge put Casey in on goal with a great through ball, but Theoklitos saved.

Moments later Lopez was booked for tripping Corica on the edge of the area and Cole's free kick hit the post.

Lopez got a shot on goal in the 83rd minute, but Bolton held it. Colosimo received a yellow card for a foul on Fabiano in the 88th minute, but Hernandez's shot sailed wide.