Oxford United's run of winless league matches under floodlights at home, which stretches back to September 1998, continued when relegation-threatened Carlisle United held them to a goalless draw.
Both sides badly needed a win for different reasons - Oxford to haul themselves back into the promotion play-offs and Carlisle to climb out of the relegation zone - and for most of the game the visitors were the better and more organised side.
They dominated the first half and were unlucky to go in without a lead.
Leading scorer Craig Farrell had missed an early chance driving wide after two minutes and 20 minutes later he finished off a neat five-man move by driving straight at Oxford goalkeeper Andy Woodman.
Five minutes later Richie Foran went close with a drive which rebounded off the crossbar and 13 minutes later Woodman denied Jon McCarthy with the save of the match.
Oxford offered not a single threat in the first half and they had a let-off five minutes into the second half when Stuart Green sliced wide from 10 yards.
Their best opportunity fell to Andy Scott after 52 minutes when a massive clearance rebounded off a defender to the striker in an unmarked position 16 yards out, but he failed to control the ball and the visitors cleared.
Six minutes later Green seemed to be clear only for full back Matt Robinson to rescue the U’s with a prefect tackle on the edge of the area.
Oxford's last chance 12 minutes from the end came from a free-kick 25 yards out. The ball was moved forward 10 yards when Darren Kelly was booked for encroaching but the visitors’ defensive wall stood firm and cleared the danger.
Carlisle manager Roddy Collins was disappointed with the result.
"On clear cut chances we deserved to win it, " he said "We got a very clear cut chance and I thought our performance in the first half was great." He added: "I would have preferred the three points tonight than winning the LDV Trophy against Bristol City on Sunday."