Charlton 1 - 1 Fulham

CHARLTON missed the chance to regain second place in the Barclays Premier League after they were held to a disappointing 1-1 draw by struggling Fulham at The Valley on Monday.

Midfielder Danny Murphy's fourth goal of the season staved off the threat of a third defeat in London derby's this season after the Addicks had previously lost at home to leaders Chelsea and Tottenham.

"It was a very scrappy game and we couldn't get our passing going," said Charlton manager Alan Curbishley. "But you have to give Fulham credit because they came here and worked so hard.

"After they opened the scoring I thought we panicked. We started wanting to hit million dollar passes and when a player lost the ball he would win it back and then lose it again. We never really got going and it was frustrating.

"Our midfield three, who have received a lot of accolades, had it tough and didn't have it their own way. But I would have taken 16 points from eight games at the start of the season so we shouldn't be too disappointed."

The Addicks made a lively start and Dennis Rommedahl was out of luck in the eighth minute with a shot that struck a post. Fulham stunned Charlton by taking a 27th minute lead through Collins John's superb volley as they looked to avoid the ignominy of a fourth straight defeat.

Murphy, watched by England coach Sven Goran Erickssson's assistant Tord Grip, equalised in the 48th minute from Chris Powell's cross. The goal should have sparked a Charlton revival but they failed to get into their stride and Fulham could have won the match in stoppage time when Powell's mistake let in Luis Boa Morte who struck a glorious chance wide.

Attendance: 26,310.