LONDON, Feb 1: Fulham defender Carlos Bocanegra blew a hole in Tottenham’s Champions League ambitions with a stoppage-time winner for the west London club on Tuesday.

Just as it seemed the two clubs were destined to share the points after an uninspiring 90 minutes, the American connected with Simon Elliot’s cross to snatch a precious 1-0 victory for Chris Coleman’s relegation-threatened side.

Everton’s steady climb up the Premiership table continued with a draw away to Wigan in a match both sides ended with ten men.

Everton’s Duncan Ferguson was shown a straight red card for an apparent punch on Paul Scharner ten minutes from time. The Scot was followed down the tunnel by Wigan striker Jason Roberts, who was sent off three minutes later after a clash with his marker David Weir.

Everton had gone ahead somewhat fortunately in the ninth minute after Tim Cahill combined well with James McFadden to work his way into a shooting postion.

The Australian’s effort was blocked by Stephane Henchoz but the loose ball ended up in the net off the boot of Wigan midfielder David Thompson as he attempted to prevent Leon Osman from scoring.

Wigan equalised on the stroke of half-time, Pascal Chimbonda flicking on a Henchoz cross to allow Austrian defender Scharner to sidefoot the ball past Everton goalkeeper Richard Wright.

Middlesbrough finally halted an alarming slide down the Premiership table by claiming their first win in 10 league matches by beating north-east rivals Sunderland 3-0 in a relegation derby at the Stadium of Light.

Emanual Pogatetz headed in the 19th minute to put Boro ahead, midfielder Stuart Parnaby made 2-0 in the 31st minute.

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink completed a comfortable win in the 71st minute.

Results:

Charlton 0 West Brom 0

Fulham 1 Tottenham 0

Sunderland 0 Middlesbrough 3

Wigan 1 Everton 1

—AFP