Bore draw at The Valley

Saturday, 08, Apr 2006 07:36

Charlton racked up another 0-0 game during a tepid affair against Everton at The Valley.

A draw seemed to be a fair result between two teams that rarely threatened to break the deadlock.

Charlton's prolific striker Darren Bent had been rested for the match in the light of his team's important FA Cup match in mid-week and his goal scoring touch was sorely missed.

Everton were perhaps the better side in the opening 45 minutes, but in terms of clear-cut chances both teams were equally impoverished.

An effort from the Toffee's striker James Beattie was the closest Everton came to unlocking the Charlton defence. Just before the break Beattie fired in a shot from distance, only to see Thomas Myhre produce a great save, after having nothing to do for the majority of the first half.

Everyone in the stadium was hoping for a bit more of note from the two sides after the resumption, but little changed in the second period with both teams continuing to carry little goal-scoring threat.

Everton's Spanish midfielder Mikel Arteta bossed much of the game, but could not orchestrate an opening.

Charlton manager Alan Curbishley then took matters into his own hands, making two substitutions.

The appearance of striker Shaun Bartlett and winger Dennis Rommedahl did little to change the pattern of play, however.

Marcus Bent almost gave Charlton an undeserved win in the closing stages, but Everton goalkeeper Richard Wright easily kept out his weak shot.