Brisbane and Central Coast are still searching for their maiden A-League wins after fighting out a dour 0-0 draw on Sunday.

Both sides had their chances but frustratingly, neither was good enough to take them in the first scoreless stalemate of the new season at Lang Park.

But it was not without controversy, with both sides having reasonable penalty claims turned down by referee Daniel Elder.

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Massimo Maccarone appeared to have been brought down by goalkeeper Ben Kennedy in the 32nd minute as he chased down the ball but was deemed to be offside.

Replays were inconclusive and Roar coach John Aloisi was left incensed on the sidelines, fuming at how quickly the assistant referee had put his flag up for what he said was a "borderline" call.

In the second half, Avram Papadopoulos seemed to clearly infringe Jake McGing when he climbed on him to win a header in the penalty box, but play was waved on.

Meanwhile, Maccarone could face scrutiny this week after an off-the-ball collision with Asdrubal, in which he appeared to strike his the Mariners striker's face with his forearm.

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Once again, no foul was given and the video assistant referee did not call for one either.

The result does neither the Roar nor the Mariners, who are battling to find form, any real favours.

However, it is the first clean sheet of the season for both sides, who also had four shots on target apiece.

The hosts nearly stole it with an injury-time corner kick but Jade North's bullet header was blocked by Kennedy.

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Maccarone was involved in the Roar's best passages of play, with the Italian veteran getting a header on target in the ninth minute while also narrowly missing a deft chipped shot in the 20th minute.

The Mariners' best chance fell to Daniel De Silva, who was gifted a shot on goal by a wayward Mitch Oxborrow backpass.

But the teenager could not take advantage and fired his shot at gloveman Jamie Young, who made a comfortable save.

Young was making his 50th A-League start, coming into the side after Michael Theo was ruled out with a finger injury.

The Mariners also lost experienced defender Alan Baro to a quad injury early in the second half.

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