RELEGATION battlers Charlton and Sheffield United shared a 1-1 draw at the Valley. Talal El Karkouri fired the Addicks ahead on the hour with a 35-yard drive.

However, as the hosts sat back, Jon Stead produced a fine finish to earn the Blades a share of the spoils.

With the atmosphere set, the opening exchanges were just as electric. Dennis Rommedahl, out of contract in the summer, pushed forward down the right flank as Charlton started at full throttle. After 13 minutes, Rommedahl skipped away and his low centre flashed across the six-yard box. The flying Dane was soon clear again, this time chipping the ball up for Darren Ambrose, whose looping header dropped just wide. Darren Bent shot wide at the near post following a well-worked corner from Ambrose. And on 19 minutes, Blades keeper Paddy Kenny tipped over a curling 25-yard free-kick from Karkouri.

Kenny then scrambled down to his right to push Thomas' 25-yard drive behind.

On 35 minutes, Keith Gillespie forced a fine one-handed save from Scott Carson at the far post. There were no changes by either side for the start of the second half. But there was a distinct edge to the opening exchanges, both sides acutely aware of the importance of not getting beaten.

Slowly, The Valley faithful began to up the tempo as the hour mark approached. The team responded. Out of nothing, Charlton took the lead.

There looked to be little danger when Karkouri picked the ball up just inside the visitor's half after 59 minutes. The Moroccan defender strolled forwards and unleashed a 35yard low drive, which took a slight deflection off the boot of Michael Tonge and flew past Kenny low into the bottom right corner.

Charlton then sat back and invited pressure. United, though, failed to make the most of their possession . . .

which included two free-kicks in dangerous positions around the 18-yard box. But the Blades were level after 70 minutes. Montgomery fed Stead on the right side of the penalty area. The former Sunderland striker took a touch before drilling the ball into the far corner.