Wigan fight back to earn draw

Wigan Athletic fought back to earn a point against Sunderland and hung on after Lee Cattermole was sent off late on.

The Black Cats took the lead on 14 minutes when Steed Malbranque's corner was headed back out to his feet by the Wigan defence, and the resulting cross back towards goal was headed into his own net by Titus Bramble.

The mistake by the former Newcastle United man was careless, but it kick-started Wigan's attack and from then on in it was the hosts that looked the more likely to score.

The second half was much of the same as Wigan continued to press for an equaliser, and it finally came on 77 minutes, with Amr Zaki meeting Maynor Figueroa's cross and slotting the ball past Craig Gordon to level for his side.

The celebrations were cut short as Cattermole received a second yellow for a late challenge on Teemu Tainio, but the hosts were able to withstand renewed Sunderland pressure to hold on to their point.

Steve Bruce opted for Emile Heskey, who was impressive for England in their 4-1 win over Croatia midweek, and Zaki up-front, while Roy Keane handed Anton Ferdinand his debut in the centre of the Sunderland defence.

It was the visitors that began the game brightly, with the Black Cats winning numerous corners as they threatened to break the deadlock.

Source - Sky Sports