Sunderland were still refusing to lie down, with substitute Anthony Stokes bringing a fine save from Almunia and Jones shooting across the face of goal with the Arsenal keeper out of position following a fine run by Miller.
He lofted an effort towards goal with the Mexico keeper stranded out of position, but Francisco Javier Rodriguez was perfectly positioned on the line to clear the danger.
The Cottagers had a level of control over the game and Bobby Zamora set up Dempsey at the far post but his shot was blocked by Ian Ashbee with keeper Duke out of position.
Preston's big opportunity came and went shortly after Anelka gave Chelsea the lead, and Darren Carter will have nightmares about how he somehow failed to hit the target from point-blank range with keeper Hilario out of position.
Michael Turner's lofted header inexplicably drew Watford keeper Richard Lee out of position, allowing Garcia to head towards goal and the veteran Barmby raced in to make sure.
Suarez, who is so prolific in front of goal for club side Ajax, was to squander further chances: hitting the side-netting from a tight angle from 10 yards and also firing straight at keeper Khune from a promising position 20 yards out.
But Fairchild, who was an observant plantsman and a meticulous record-keeper, was in a better position than the academic botanist to study the growth of plants in practice.
He broke the deadlock in the 59th minute, collecting an infield pass from Zoltan Gera before manoeuvring himself into a shooting position on the edge of the box and curling a superb shot past keeper Diego Benaglio.
Jong was causing the usually unflappable Lucio all kinds of problems with his movement and pace and he turned sharply before firing straight at the Brazilian keeper, before Ri Kwang-chon dragged wide from a good position on the edge of the Brazil box after they had failed to clear a corner.
Gilchrist is the second wicket-keeper to head the list - with Andy Flower of Zimbabwe holding the number one position for three months last year.
Having been frustrated by Smith on that occasion, Dorman took advantage of the keeper's impulsiveness early in the second half as the Paisley side moved into a commanding position.
Visiting keeper Chris Day stopped a McConville header, while Stevenage midfielder Stacy Long shot wide from a good position in the opening half.
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