Print

Mail

wiki links

Dean Kiely saves Charlton Athletic

Flying Southampton goalkeeper Anti Niemi jumps over players to punch away the ball. PHOTO: AFP

Charlton goalkeeper Dean Kiely's magnificent save handed his side a point in the 0-0 draw with Southampton at The Valley on Monday.

The Republic of Ireland stopper produced an excellent one-handed tip to divert Rory Delap's curling drive over his crossbar with half an hour remaining.

The save leaves Saints 15th in the English Premiership and without a win since replacing manager Paul Sturrock with his former assistant Steve Wigley but moves the Addicks, unbeaten at home this season, into 10th spot.

"We didn't play well at all, our passing was atrocious and you can't have seven or eight players off the pace," Charlton boss Alan Curbishley blasted.

"I can't explain why Danny Murphy couldn't pass the ball five yards. Certain players looked as if they couldn't pass water today. They are feeling sorry for themselves, but I'm upbeat, we got a point and didn't play well."

The Addicks boss admitted Kiely had made the difference.

"I made him captain hoping it would give him a bit of a lift. When you're not playing well, you need people to give ten out of ten and that's exactly what we got."

Both sides were desperate for a win, Charlton out to banish memories of their dismal 4-0 collapse at Manchester City and Saints chasing a first point on the road.

But Wigley was left cursing his luck as all three points evaded them.

The 800m and 1500m Olympic champion Kelly Holmes' presentation beforehand might have inspired Denmark winger Dennis Rommedahl's frequent charges down the left flank, from which he went close to scoring in the opening exchanges.

Saints won a string of second-half corners but Kiely kept his side in the match.

After a long ball into the box, Anders Svensson pulled the ball back for Delap on the edge of the penalty box.

The Ireland midfielder positioned himself to shoot, but Kiely, going left, forced the effort over his crossbar when it seemed he had dived too far.

With 15 minutes left, Murphy inexplicably passed the ball back to his keeper and straight into James Beattie's path, but Kiely rushed out to save his blushes.
This story has been viewed 2404 times.