Head coach of Sharks, Gbenga Ogunbote started with the likes of Ibrahim Ajani, Ifeanyi Inyam, Chima Akas, Odinga Odinga and Tunde Aremu.
Former Sharks winger Bright Ejike was dropped to the bench as Heartland head coach, Kelechi Emeteole, chose to start with Jolly Osas and Osas Okoro as wingers.
It was Heartland who proved to be the better team in the opening 25 minutes and Israel Abia was guilty of failing to open score for the hosts.
In the 28th minute, former ABS man, Yau Hassan, scored for Heartland and the hosts thought they had taken the lead before the centre referee, Tivkor Thomas, ruled out the goal for offside.
The game simmered into the break with the Blue Angels getting a rare sight at goal against Heartland but have their goalkeeper, Danladi Isah to thank for his performance.
Sharks began the second half stronger and Inyam had a clear sight at goal but had his effort kept out by Heartland goalkeeper, Ebele Obi.
In the 71st minute, Heartland substitute Vincent Amakom went close to scoring for the Owerri club.
Sharks held on until full time to secure a point that ensured they climbed into fourth position on the log with four points.
It is the second time this season that a club from Port Harcourt have earned a point at the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri after Dolphins had earlier done same with a 1-1 draw.
Injured Heartland captain Chinedu Efugh was, however, of the opinion that his club were unlucky against Sharks.
"It's one of those days again in football. But I'll say it was hard luck for us," Efugh, who watched the game from the stands on Friday, told supersport.com.
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