Sunderland comeback denies Fulham victory

Sunderland recovered from 2-0 down to earn a point against Fulham at the Stadium of Light this afternoon.

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Fulham built a two-goal lead early on thanks to Dimitar Berbatov and Sascha Riether but were denied all three points by a spirited Black Cats fightback.

The visitors took the lead early on from the penalty spot after Ashkan Dejagah was brought down by Craig Gardner.

After initially appearing to wave away Fulham protests, referee Mark Halsey elected to award a spot kick.

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Berbatov coolly slotted his penalty past Simon Mignolet for his 10th goal of the season.

Fulham claimed a two-goal advantage after 33 minutes when Sascha Riether stormed forward to turn home Dejagah's cross on the counter.

© PA Photos / Owen Humphreys

Sunderland were handed a lifeline just two minutes later when Halsey pointed to the spot for a second time.

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Phillipe Senderos looked bemused after being penalised for a push in the area, with Garnder making no mistake from the spot to reduce the deficit.

On the hour, Sunderland equalised after breaking quickly when Berbatov was denied by Mignolet from point-blank range.

The Mackems got forward in numbers and Stephane Sessegnon was rewarded when he fired home Adam Johnson's deflected cross.

Martin O'Neill's men pressed for a winner in the closing stages but had to settle for a point as Fulham stayed strong.