ROUND-UP

JAMES McFadden netted a late equaliser for Everton in a 1-1 draw against Blackburn Rovers at Goodison Park to frustrate the visitors and boost the Scotland internationalists hopes of a promising season in the Barclays Premier League.

Roque Santa Cruz had given Blackburn a 15th-minute lead before McFadden struck 12 minutes from time.

Chelsea delivered a lacklustre display at Stamford Bridge but still moved top of the table with a 1-0 victory over Portsmouth.

Matt Taylor came close for the visitors but Frank Lampard's shot on the half-hour had too much power for David James, who deflected it into the net.

The pressure eased on Bolton Wanderers and manager Sammy Lee as his side recorded a 3-0 win over Reading at the Reebok Stadium.

Gary Speed headed the opener in 32 minutes and Nicolas Anelka tapped-in a second before Daniel Braaten added a third in injury- time.

Former Celtic attacker Shaun Maloney scored in injury-time to hand Aston Villa a 2-1 win over Fulham at Villa Park.

Fulham went ahead in the fifth minute when the ball to Clint Dempsey. But Martin O'Neill's side claimed a merited leveller when Ashley Young's cross was deflected into his own goal by Zat Knight in 50 minutes. Fulham's Chris Baird was then sent off for a second booking before Maloney struck.

Two late goals left honours even between West Ham United and Wigan Athletic at Upton Park. Paul Scharner's overhead kick opened the scoring for Wigan in 79 minutes but Lee Bowyer finished from a tight angle two minutes later.

Birmingham City won the battle of the promoted sides at Pride Park with a 2-1 win over Derby County. The visitors went ahead after 32 seconds when Cameron Jerome netted from a tight angle. Matt Oakley levelled in the second half but Jerome's half-volley secured the points for Steve Bruce.

Copyright c 2007 Newsquest Media Group
Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights Reserved.