Classy Fulham hold Addicks

Saha: Constantly probing the Charlton rearguard

Charlton 1-1 Fulham

Premiership new boys Fulham failed to turn their possession into goals in an entertaining clash with Charlton at The Valley.

Andy Melville's early own goal left Fulham ruing a catalogue of missed chances but Luis Boa Morte's virtuoso strike with 38 minutes gone earned Fulham a richly deserved point.

It was a breathtaking fixture, galvanised by the exciting brand of flowing football which Jean Tigana preaches to his fast-improving Fulham troops.

Brevett: Played some intricate football

The visitors made a blistering start to the game, with Lee Clark and Sean Davis stamping their class on the midfield and Louis Saha constantly asking questions of the home defence.

Charlton eventually woke up with 10 minutes on the clock, with Shaun Bartlett steering Chris Powell's telling cross inches over the bar.

Fulham responded in typically ferocious fashion, Saha's lightening pace providing him with a glorious opening.

Unfortunately for him, his flicked-shot bobbled the wrong side of the Charlton upright.

I was a bit surprised about the decision - he didn't touch the ball so, for me, it is a penalty

Louis Saha

Dean Kiely was fortunate to be on the pitch after his desperate attempt to beat Saha to the ball left the Frenchman writhing in agony.

Charlton took a shock lead in the 34th minute when Powell went on one of his scampering raids down left flank before sending a deep ball to Bartlett.

The South African international headed the ball back into the danger area and the ball cannoned off the unfortunate Melville to put the hosts ahead.

I thought we did well to earn a point considering our injury problems

Alan Curbishley

Fulham poured forward in search of an equaliser and were rewarded when Boa Morte somehow found a way through a crowded penalty area after a Saha shot was parried.

Alan Curbishley introduced John Robinson in the second half to halt the Fulham onslaught and provide his side with some much needed width.

However, it was Cottager's substitute Steed Malbranque who caught the eye, sending two bullet drives fizzing wide as Fulham looked for a winner.

Jason Euell and Barry Hayles went close but neither side could muster the vital goal.

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Charlton: Kiely, Fish, Todd, Brown, Young, Parker, Euell, Stuart, Powell, Lisbie, Bartlett. Subs: Roberts, Robinson, Konchesky, Fortune, Salako.

Fulham: Van der Sar, Finnan, Melville, Symons, Brevett, Legwinski, Davis, Clark, Collins, Saha, Boa Morte. Subs: Taylor, Malbranque, Hayles, Goldbaek, Ouaddou.

Referee: J Winter (Stockton-on-Tees).