Charlton 1 Hearts 1

Hearts proved more than a match for the newly promoted Londoners and after dominating the early stages took the lead after 34 minutes when Gary Locke struck a well hit low drive beyond the outstretched Sasa Ilic.

The home side was certainly punished for weak finishing.

£1million summer signing Neil Redfearn came closest in the first half but his powerful 25 yard effort was deflected by twice capped French goalkeeper Gilles Rousset.

But if Curbishley can take anything at his testimonial match it was the build up play of his another summer signing Chris Powell.

Crosses rained in on the Hearts goalmouth but the front-line failed to make an impression on the scoresheet with Richard Rufus and Eddie Youds the prime culprits.

Immediately after the re-start captain Mark Kinsella smashed a thirty yard drive which bounced the wrong side of substitute goalkeeper Roderick McKenzie's post.

Indeed, the replacement keeper was kept far busier than his predecessor, with Shaun Newton forcing him to produce a superb reflex save after a powerfully struck dipping volley.

Wembley hero Clive Mendonca's sole contribution was a one on one chance with the keeper but he blazed over the bar just as an equaliser looked certain.

After squandering such an easy opportunity he played no further part in the game and departed with a suspected back strain five minutes from time.

However, his departure allowed Scott Parker to reward Charlton's pressure and with just six minutes to go he fired home a vicious volley which sealed a hard fought, if not totally deserved, draw.


Taken from sportinglife.com