Louis Saha's disputed penalty gave Fulham their first Premiership away win since September against 10-man Charlton at The Valley.

Saha, recalled for the final game of the season, slotted in only his fifth league goal of a disappointing campaign after Dean Kiely's challenge poleaxed the striker on the edge of the area.

Kiely was dismissed for his misdemeanour and opposite number Maik Taylor made sure the indiscretion cost Charlton with a splendid save from Jason Euell's spot-kick.

Managerless Fulham began the London derby playing the more inventive football yet it was a long ball from Sylvain Legwinski which gave Saha an initial shooting opportunity - his placement out with a right-footed attempt.

With innovation in the final third of the field lacking, it was a defensive mistake that threatened to deliver an opening goal midway through the half.

When captain Chris Powell back-passed to Kiely there appeared no danger but the goalkeeper dallied and was fortunate that his attempted return ball, which was blocked by the eager Steed Malbranque, ricocheted wide of the post.

Then only a deflection off Jon Fortune's heels directed Malbranque's shot wide of the other upright after the French midfielder fashioned space.

Fulham were clearly in the ascendancy and that fact was confirmed on the half-hour as their hosts were reduced to 10 men.

Sean Davis' raking pass down the middle caught out the Charlton backline and as the ball dropped over their heads, Kiely rushed to the edge of his area and clattered Saha two-footed in the striker's midriff.

Referee Dermot Gallagher adjudged that Kiely was effectively the last man and his offence was thus worthy of a red card, causing a crescendo of boos from the home fans.

On that account the official may have been correct although his decision to award a penalty was not so clear-cut with the collision taking place on the cusp of the 18-yard box.

After a lengthy delay, however, in which Kiely trudged off along with the substituted Shaun Bartlett, Saha stroked his penalty under replacement keeper Ben Roberts' right hand.

Fulham's away record left them concerned about the prospect of relegation for the majority of the season and they confirmed only their second Premiership victory on the road as the rain lashed down in south-east London. Their previous success came eight months ago at bottom-club Sunderland.

It took Maik Taylor's first save of the afternoon three minutes after the break to keep them ahead, though, as Kevin Lisbie latched on to Scott Parker's scoop over the top and had his volley blocked at point-blank range.

Charlton began with the urgency they had closed the first period with, when top scorer Jason Euell twice misfired, once over the top before slicing across goal following a clever turn.

Although Lee Clark was denied by Roberts' save and Luke Young stopped Saha in full flow with a well-timed tackle in the area, Charlton continued to press at the other end.

Taylor was given some worrying times with the ball hoisted into the box regularly and the Northern Ireland international once again saved well when the home side worked Lisbie into shooting space.

Charlton gained a lifeline on the hour when Euell, who had had one penalty appeal turned down, went to ground in a tussle with Alain Goma.

Gallagher adjudged it worthy of a penalty but Taylor flung himself to his right and palmed Euell's attempt behind for a corner.

Tensions were rising within the ground - Charlton assistant manager Mervyn Day raged at the officials on the field as they walked off for half-time - and things boiled over 20 minutes after the resumption.

Parker's attempted overhead kick connected with Saha's forehead in midfield and a huge melee ensued with various players involved in altercations - although Gallagher somewhat surprisingly booked only Legwinski.

Malbranque's keep-up and volley from 20 yards dipped too late as Fulham sought a second while Saha went close on two occasions, firstly curling wide and then kept out by Roberts' alert rush from his line to block.

Charlton boss Alan Curbishley made late changes in the search of an equaliser - including the withdrawal of Powell, who is likely to be leaving this summer and saluted each corner of the ground as he left the field - but to no avail.

Teams:

Charlton: Kiely, Kishishev, Young, Fortune, Powell (Stuart 82), Jensen (Johansson 82), Parker, Euell, Konchesky, Bartlett (Roberts 32), Lisbie.

Subs Not Used: Bart-Williams, Sankofa.

Sent Off: Kiely (31).

Booked: Kishishev, Young.

Fulham: Taylor, Finnan, Melville, Goma, Harley, Clark, Davis (Hayles 82), Legwinski, Malbranque, Saha (Hammond 90), Boa Morte (John Collins 88).

Subs Not Used: Van der Sar, Djetou.

Booked: Malbranque, Harley, Legwinski.

Goals: Saha 33 pen.

Att: 26,108

Ref: D Gallagher (Oxfordshire).