CHARLTON and Aston Villa shared a goalless draw in an uninspired contest at The Valley yesterday. Darren Bent was the home side's dangerman in the first half in front of the watching England manager Sven Goran Eriksson but his best chance was saved by Villa keeper Thomas Sorensen.

Villa showed slightly more attacking vigour in the second half but although both sides were anxious for the win to escape mid-table, neither did enough to secure it.