Wigan rise but fail to get three points against Blackburn

Wigan put an end to their eight match Premier League losing streak here on Saturday but were denied all three points when a 99th minute penalty by Nigerian veteran Ayegbeni Yakubu grabbed a 3-3 draw for Blacburn Rovers.

Wigan had looked like they were going to leapfrog Rovers into second from bottom when Albert Crusat scored two minutes from time in what was manager Roberto Martinez's 100th game in charge of the club.

However, those hopes were dashed as Rovers former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson went up for a corner and ended up being kicked in the head leading to the penalty being awarded - Yakubu made no mistake with his second goal of the game.

Wigan - who only escaped relegation on the last day of last season - stay bottom five points adrift of safety while Rovers are just a point above them.

Contrary to expectations beforehand the opening quarter was an explosive affair with the visitors taking the lead in the 68th second as Nigerian veteran Yakubu scored on their first attack catching Gary Caldwell cold and chipping over Ali Al Habsi for his 100th Premier League goal.

Wigan hit back almost immediately and were level in the seventh minute as Jordi Gomez slotted home from the edge of the penalty area.

The hosts took the lead on the half hour mark as skipper Gary Caldwell - returning from suspension - headed home past former England 'keeper Paul Robinson, who was making his 350th Premier league appearance.

Wigan should have extended their lead three minutes before half-time but Victor Moses headed tamely over the bar with just Robinson to beat for his second bad miss of the half.

Those misses came back to haunt the host when Junior Hoilett levelled just before the hour mark.

The hosts desperately threw everything into restoring their lead and a much-needed three points and Blackburn had Robinson to thank for keeping them on level terms as he sprang to deny Hugo Rodallega what would have been his first goal of the season.