Charlton's hopes of securing European football next season suffered a setback as poor
finishing from South African striker Shaun Bartlett saw them squander their chance of victory in a goalless draw at London rivals Fulham.
Charlton could have wrapped things up by half-time if lone striker Bartlett had been able to take two superb chances. The first came his way with just over two minutes on the clock. A low Paul Konchesky cross from the left found the South African at the back post. But instead of shooting first time, Bartlett stood on the ball and his hesitation allowed Alain Goma enough to get in a block.
With playmaker Steed Malbranque back in action after a six-week injury lay-off, Fulham played some attractive passing football. But they rarely troubled the Charlton defence, although giant defender Zat Knight did offer a hint of menace when he nodded a corner just wide in the 20th minute.
That was quickly followed by another miss from Bartlett. Luke Young's run and cutback created the opening but his team-mate could only manage a tame shot that Edwin van der Sar blocked with his feet.
The highlight of an uninspiring second half was a spat between Fulham striker Andy Cole and Charlton defender Talal El Karkouri.
Enraged at having being tripped by the Moroccan defender as he chased a ball towards the Charlton box, Cole charged after him and pushed him to the ground. El Karkouri appeared to have legitimate cause for complaint as the referee opted to book both of them when other officials might have sent Cole off.
Radostin Kishishev tested van der Sar with a 20-yard snapshot just after the hour mark but there was never any danger of the Dutchman allowing the ball past him.
