Malbranque scores for Fulham

Fulham 1, Charlton 0 (latest)

Steed Malbranque has given Fulham the lead against Charlton in the all-Premiership clash in the fourth round of the FA Cup at Loftus Road.

In a scoreless first half, Parker crossed for Luke Young to head against Maik Taylor’s legs and Davis had several cracks at goal.

Davis tried to liven up a dull game again at the halfway point in the first period.

He made a powerful surge into the box but Jason Euell tackled him as he shot and the ball trickled into Dean Kiely’s grasp.

Shaun Bartlett stabbed an awkward effort goalwards shortly afterwards, but in keeping with the theme of this uninspiring contest, it posed no threat to Maik Taylor.

Euell and Legwinski exchanged tame shots on the half-hour mark.

Meanwhile, Malbranque was busy running rings round Charlton left-back Paul Konchesky, another player hoping to impress Eriksson.

Parker’s best contribution so far, a jinking run down the inside-left channel culminating in an excellent cross, almost created the opening goal.

Luke Young charged in to meet the bouncing ball at the far post and headed against Taylor’s legs.

Northern Ireland international Taylor had a lucky escape moments later, misjudging Euell’s delivery from the right but seeing Richard Rufus snatch at the loose ball and hook it over his bar.