CHARLTON and Everton played out a goalless draw at The Valley, as Alan Curbishley's side clearly had one eye on this week's FA Cup quarter-final replay. Without rested England striker Darren Bent, the home side lacked a cutting edge in attack and it was not until the 15th minute that the first decent chance was created. Jason Euell darted into the Everton area, and Joseph Yobo had to make a timely tackle on him.

Slowly the home side grew in confidence. Winger Jerome Thomas became more involved, looking to release Marcus Bent behind the Everton backline whenever possible. David Moyes' men, however, have proven in recent months they are made of stern stuff following an excellent recovery from their poor start to the season.

A calamitous mis-judgement from Everton 'keeper Richard Wright, however, almost handed Charlton the lead. Matt Holland's flick into the penalty area should have been routinely collected, but the former England goalkeeper was caught out by the bounce. The ball flew up and over his head, with Wright having to scamper backwards to claw it off the line.

In stoppage time, James McFadden knocked the ball down to Beattie, who was in a central position 30 yards out. The striker smashed a superb volley goalwards, which Myhre had to tip over one-handed. The second half served up nothing - apart from a Dennis Rommedahl shot cleared by Alan Stubbs - to come close to that moment of inspiration.