Addicks hold Sunderland

Kevin Kilbane got the equaliser for Sunderland

Charlton 2-2 Sunderland
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A goal from Kevin Lisbie eight minutes from time denied Sunderland a win that would have eased their relegation worries in a pulsating 2-2 draw at The Valley.

The Wearsiders looked to have done enough to secure the three points that would have almost guaranteed their Premiership status.

But the Charlton substitute popped up in the 82nd minute to earn the Addicks a point in a tense clash.

  Key moments

1 mins: Euell puts Charlton ahead

2 mins: Kilbane equalises just 10 seconds later

11 mins: Phillips puts Sunderland 2-1 ahead

82 mins: Lisbie grabs a late equaliser

Both sides went into the game on the back of a poor run of form, but conspired to produce a thrilling game with almost non-stop end-to-end action.

Charlton got off to a dream start when they went ahead after just 45 seconds through a Jason Euell strike.

Jonatan Johansson crossed and Euell made no mistake with a well-timed volley.

But Sunderland equalised just 10 seconds after the restart through Republic of Ireland international Kevin Kilbane.

Thomas Butler, making his first start for the club, set up Kilbane who slipped the ball under Charlton keeper Dean Kiely.

Addicks midfielder Scott Parker then had a one-on-one chance to put them back in front but he was denied by Sunderland keeper Thomas Sorensen.

Moments later and Kevin Phillips made it 2-1 to Peter Reid's struggling side.

Jason McAteer crossed and an unmarked Phillips headed home from six yards out.

Johansson proved a thorn in Sunderland's side

It was his first goal since scoring against Manchester United on 2 February.

Sunderland had gone into the game without a goal in their last three games, but had scored two within the first 11 minutes.

It looked like we were heading for a repeat of the 1998 play-off final between the two sides that ended 4-4.

The lively Johansson almost levelled things in the 13th minute, but Sorensen again showed his value by tipping the ball around the post.

The drama continued in the 25th minute when Charlton's Paul Konchesky played an awkward ball back to Kiely which the keeper was forced to handle.

Sunderland were awarded a free-kick on the six-yard line for a back pass.

McAteer laid it off to Phillips but the Charlton defence charged down the striker's effort.

Euell punch

The home side continued to look to get back on level terms and Graham Stuart had a half-chance which he fired left-footed over the bar.

The game got ugly after the break with Euell and Kilbane lucky not to receive their marching orders.

Euell seemed to aim a punch at the Sunderland scorer, who retaliated with a cruel late challenge that earned him a booking.

The chances continued to come for both sides, with Niall Quinn and Phillips going close for Sunderland.

But Charlton had the better opportunities and Johansson should have done better after finding himself in the clear from a Kiely clearance.

Phillips ended his goal drought

The Addicks striker's first touch let him down and Sorensen was able to smother.

Matthias Svensson almost equalised as Charlton piled forward in the closing stages.

The visitors dug in their heels and appeared to be heading for the win that would have taken them five points clear of Ipswich.

But Lisbie's acrobatic strike from close range in the 82nd minute keeps Sunderland in the thick of things at the foot of the table.

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Charlton: Kiely, Young, Rufus, Costa, Konchesky, Stuart, Parker, Kinsella, Robinson, Johansson, Euell. Subs: Ilic, Powell, Fortune, Svensson, Lisbie.

Sunderland: Sorensen, Williams, Craddock, Bjorklund, Gray, McAteer, Thirlwell, Butler, Kilbane, Phillips, Quinn. Subs: Macho, Mboma, Kyle, Schwarz, McCartney.

Referee: E Wolstenholme (Blackburn)