Aston Villa rescued a point from a gripping contest at Craven Cottage when defender Liam Ridgewell pounced with a late equaliser.

Villa, unchanged following their 4-0 triumph over Everton on Boxing Day, fought back three times when a Brian McBride double and Heidar Helguson penalty had sent Fulham into the lead.

Chris Coleman's side had ample chances to put the game beyond reach but paid the price for some wayward finishing with Villa hitting back through Luke Moore and a second for Ridgewell.

Controversy shrouded Fulham's second goal with referee Andy D'Urso - a late replacement for scheduled official Richard Beeby who withdrew after pulling a calf muscle - performing a U-turn on a suspect penalty decision.

The impressive Tomasz Radzinski was racing towards Villa's goal when Mark Delaney brought him down, winning the ball in the process, and D'Urso waved play on.

He changed his mind upon seeing a flag from his assistant on the far side and opted for the spot-kick which Helguson tucked away to put Fulham ahead once again.

But with chances coming at both ends, Villa were far from out of the running and Ridgewell pegged the home side back twice, sandwiching a Brian McBride header.

Villa's cause was helped by two major blunders from goalkeeper Mark Crossley, who was culpable for both Ridgewell strikes with lapses of concentration at the back once again costing Coleman's team.

Kick-off was delayed by five minutes following the late switch of referees and when play began it was Fulham who made the brighter start.

McBride used his physical presence to threaten at a Radzinski corner and the Canadian then teed-up Helguson, only for the Icelandic striker to misread his team-mate's intentions.

Villa should have taken the lead in the ninth minute but Luke Moore blasted his shot over the crossbar from close range after an eye-catching run from James Milner.

Fulham, who recalled Carlos Bocanegra to the side, showed how it was done three minutes later with Luis Boa Morte winning the ball and feeding Radzinski, who dashed forward before crossing to McBride who nodded home.

Villa tried to make instant amends but Steven Davis' shot was blocked by right-back Dean Leacock before Wilfred Bouma's promising effort was deflected for a corner.

Left-back Liam Rosenior was enjoying a lively start, following up his impressive display against Chelsea with some useful work in attack and defence, but it was the lively Radzinski who was pulling the strings for the home side.

Villa's defence was struggling to cope with Fulham's movement but it was the home side who were carved open in the 29th minute with Milan Baros cutting inside and threading a perfect pass for Luke Moore to fire home.

Controversy reigned as Fulham crept back in front four minutes later with their disputed penalty decision, Helguson sending Thomas Sorensen the wrong way with his kick.

Villa were denied their second equaliser when Gavin McCann hit the right post and the match was finely poised going into half-time with both teams creating chances.

Villa made a lively start to the second half with Crossley coming to their rescue on several dangerous crosses and Baros threatening when he had the ball.

Fulham should have stretched their lead in the 54th minute when Rosenior's superb delayed pass sent Helguson racing in on goal but the forward took one step too many, allowing Sorensen to gather his shot.

What was already an entertaining contest stepped up a gear in the 60th minute when Ridgewell poked in a Milner cross at the near post, slipping the ball beneath Crossley who should have done better.

There was another twist to come, however, with Fulham taking the lead once more just a minute later after McBride rose above a static Villa defence and nodded Boa Morte's cross past Sorensen.

McBride headed over shortly after as Fulham looked to give themselves a two-goal cushion in a game which could still go either way, with McCann's blocked shot underlining the fact.

Milner and Ridgewell combined again in the 76th minute to haul Villa level for a third time with the latter finishing an easy chance with Fulham's defence and Crossley rooted to the spot as the ball came in.

Villa finished the stronger but were unable to grab the winner, although there could be few complaints with the final outcome of a thrilling evening.

Teams

Fulham Crossley, Leacock (Niclas Jensen 57), Knight, Bocanegra, Rosenior, Christanval, Legwinski (Elrich 78), Boa Morte, Radzinski, McBride, Helguson (John 84).

Subs Not Used: Warner, Pearce.

Goals: McBride 13, Helguson 32 pen, McBride 61.

Aston Villa Sorensen, Hughes, Delaney, Ridgewell, Bouma (Bakke 76), Milner, McCann, Davis, Barry, Baros, Moore (Angel 70).

Subs Not Used: Taylor, Whittingham, Gardner.

Booked: Baros, Moore, Hughes, Ridgewell.

Goals: Moore 29, Ridgewell 60, 76.

Att: 20,446

Ref: A D'Urso (Essex).