Liverpool 2 Charlton Athletic 2

CHARLTON'S seven-year stay in the Premiership ended on a high as they bowed out in style with a point from a deserved draw with Liverpool at Anfield.

Until the 90th minute they appeared to be heading for a shock 2-1 win until central defender Madjid Bougherra handled in the area to present substitute Harry Kewell with the chance to equalise from the penalty spot.

Charlton twice stunned Liverpool by taking the lead only for the hosts to hit back and cling on to a final position of third place.

As expected, Charlton manager Alan Pardew handed a top flight debut to goalkeeper Darren Randolph just 24 hours after the youngster celebrated his 20th birthday.

With Talal El Karkouri out of contention with a foot injury, Bougherra made his second start for the Addicks alongside Hermann Hreidarsson in central defence. Ben Thatcher returned from suspension at left-back.

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez sprung a surprise by fielding what was a virtual full strength side ahead of their forthcoming Champions League final in Athens.

The captaincy was handed to Robbie Fowler on his farewell appearance for Liverpool.

Charlton made a dream start by taking the lead inside the second minute. Darren Bent broke down the middle and played in Lloyd Sam who found Zheng Zhi. His cross was met at the near post by Matt Holland who rifled in his first Premiership goal of the season.

Liverpool should have equalised in the eighth minute when Fowler?s perfect pass played in Alvaro Arbeloa but he pulled his shot wide with just Randolph to beat.

Darren Ambrose shot wide when well positioned from Bent?s pass in the 15th minute as Charlton continued to carve out the better chances, and Alex Song had his shot cleared off the line by Steve Finan in the 30th minute.

Randolph was called into action for the first time in the 37th minute when he produced a full-length save to deny Dirk Kuyt.

Charlton should have increased their lead two minutes into the second half when Zheng shot wide from less then five yards after Bent?s pass had played him in.

China?s captain missed a 55th minute sitter from Luke Young?s cross before Liverpool equalised in the 63rd minute. Substitute Harry Kewell?s cross was half-cleared and fellow substitute Xabi Alonso equalised.

Kewell hit the angle of crossbar and post while Song saw his shot hit a post at the other end.

Charlton would not lie down and Bent restored their lead in the 71st minute. Thatcher?s shot hit the shins of keeper Daniele Padelli and fell perfectly for Bent to score what could prove to be his last goal for the club.