Murphy strike rescues Addicks

Charlton Athletic 1 Fulham 1

After trailing to a fine strike from Collins John on 28 minutes, Alan Curbishley's men had to be content with a draw after they could not conjure a winner following Danny Murphy's equaliser at the start of the second half.

It was Charlton, who created the first opening after nine minutes when Dennis Rommedahl side-stepped Alain Goma and then crashed a low, left-foot strike against the base of the far post.

Collins John was then inches away from connecting with a fine centre into the six-yard box from Fulham skipper Luis Boa Morte on the left.

After dominating the opening exchanges, the home side found themselves behind on 27 minutes.

Steed Malbranque crossed from the right and Collins John spectacularly volleyed home from 15 yards out.

The goal had come against the run of play, and Charlton went in search of an immediate equaliser. However, they were then vulnerable on the break, and the impressive Malbranque soon flashed a low drive across goal.

Charlton came out for the second half in determined mood and were level within three minutes of the restart.

Powell's centre into the penalty area was just ahead of Rommedahl, but fell right into the path of an unmarked Murphy, 12 yards out on the far side.

The midfielder had time to set himself and drill a low shot back past Crossley into the left corner.

Despite pressing again during the closing stages, Charlton could not conjure a winner.

In fact, Fulham almost won it in stoppage time when, on the counter attack, Malbranque picked out Boa Morte at the back post but the skipper fired wide.

CHARLTON: Andersen, Young, Perry, Hreidarsson, Powell, Rommedahl, Kishishev (El Karkouri 76), Murphy, Smertin (Hughes 82), Thomas (Bothroyd 59), Bent.

FULHAM: Crossley, Volz, Goma, Bocanegra, Niclas Jensen, Malbranque, Claus Jensen, Christanval (Radzinski 35), Diop, Boa Morte, John (McBride 78).

Referee: M Riley (W Yorkshire)