Pearce denied as Charlton equalise

FT Charlton 2 Manchester City 2

Stuart Pearce was denied his first taste of victory as Manchester City boss as Charlton defender Chris Perry struck an unlikely late equaliser at The Valley.

City seized the lead after just four minutes, when Richard Dunne’s header, which was heading off target, was deflected into his own net by Charlton defender Hermann Hreidarsson.

Shaun Bartlett soon levelled but only keeper Dean Kiely kept Charlton in the game before the influential Fowler struck from close range and City looked home and dry before Perry’s late goal.

Holland looped a header against the bar, but Curbishley looked to Kevin Lisbie to find penetration as he replaced Hreidarsson with 14 minutes left.

City still threatened, with Musampa blazing a shot over the bar, while Fowler’s header gave Macken another sight of goal only for the striker to turn himself inside and out before missing his kick.

Indeed, Kiely had to produce another reaction save to deny Musampa before Fowler set up the winger to smash a half-volley into the side-netting.

Deep into injury-time, however, Charlton finally completed an unlikely recovery act as City’s defence worryingly gave way.

Young was allowed to advance down the right flank before rifling a cross which Jeffers flicked into the path of Perry and he bundled the ball past keeper James, who was beaten at his near post.