Reid strike earns reprieve for Charlton

- Andy Reid's first goal for Charlton alvaged a 1-1 draw against Everton at The Valley but failed to lift the Addicks off bottom spot in the Premiership.

The Republic of Ireland international's 68th minute strike earned the hosts their first point under new manager Les Reed, taking charge for his second game following the sacking of Ian Dowie.

Former Tottenham midfielder Reid struck home sweetly from just outside the box to cancel out Iceland international Hermann Hreidarsson's unfortunate own goal seven minutes into the second half Saturday.



But having dominated the latter stages of the game, Charlton will have been disappointed to miss out on a much-needed three points, the south-east London club having now gained just one victory in 11 Premiership games.

The first half of the contest, Reed's first home game in charge, saw the visitors start the stronger.

James McFadden's long-range effort after 27 minutes went straight at goalkeeper Scott Carson as the Scotland midfielder failed to pick out striker James Beattie who was better placed.

The home side gradually fought back into the match and Darren Ambrose's flick into the area saw Darren Bent inches away from making contact but goalkeeper Tim Howard gathered.

There was more good work from Dennis Rommedahl on 38 minutes as the flying Danish winger cut in from the right on to his left foot, but his weak shot dribbled wide.

Everton started stronger after the break and took the lead on 52 minutes when Mikel Arteta swung a free-kick into the box from the left where Leon Osman's flick-on was deflected off Hreidarsson past the helpless Carson.

Amdy Faye missed a gilt-edged chance for an equaliser on 64 minutes, failing to connect properly with an inviting cross and glancing his header wide from six yards out.

But the hosts gained parity four minutes later when substitute Marcus Bent stole the ball from dawdling defender Nuno Valente and passed it to Reid who fired a low hard shot past Howard.

Everton's Nigerian defender Joseph Yobo should also feel embarrassed by the goal as he was caught out trying to put on a boot in the middle of the penalty area rather than closing down Reid.

Minutes later Rommedahl crossed low across the box when a shot on goal was the better option as the hosts pushed for a winner and the Dane then dragged a shot wide near the end.