Boa Morte snatches point for Fulham

Chelsea 1, Fulham 1

Luis Boa Morte rescued a valuable point to nudge Fulham closer to guaranteed Premiership survival and put a dent in Chelsea’s Champions League hopes.

Alain Goma’s own goal gave Chelsea a deserved half-time lead in the west London derby as he helped the ball into his own net after 37 minutes.

But Boa Morte scored a stunning solo effort when he breezed past Marcel Desailly and fired home an angled drive after 66 minutes.

Jody Morris should have been watching this game from the stands, but after 76 minutes he found himself introduced to the action.

The midfielder was called on to the bench after Zenden was injured in the warm-up, and he came on to replace De Lucas. It was a double switch as Melchiot replaced Gallas.

As play restarted Zola let fly from 25 yards with a shot which Taylor had to tip over his bar. The goalkeeper was soon punching clear a corner as Chelsea kept up the pressure.

Taylor needed treatment after 75 minutes when Hasselbaink went in with his foot raised, but the striker escaped without a caution.

Chelsea were almost undone by their former defender Jon Harley with eight minutes remaining.

Harley made 42 appearances in four years at Stamford Bridge, but he scared the Blues when he got the better of Desailly and drilled in a low cross which Le Saux scrambled away.

Coleman introduced fresh legs a minute later as Boa Morte and Malbranque were replaced by Barry Hayles and John Collins.

Collins almost snatched all three points in injury time with a curling effort which shaved the bar, and then Gudjohnsen raced upfield and sent his effort narrowly wide.

These teams shared a goalless draw earlier in the season and when the final whistle came it was honours even again – a result which suited the visitors rather more than the hosts.