Brian Deane's last minute goal earned a point for West Ham and ensured Wigan
would not be taking part in the Nationwide Division One play-offs.
The veteran substitute headed in Michael Carrick's cross to deal the Latics a
knock-out blow.
Wigan had been on the verge of fifth place thanks to Neil Roberts' first-half
goal but even though results elsewhere went their way, their season ended here.
They knew before kick-off that a 4-0 win would make sure their season was
extended, while a win and defeats for Crystal Palace at Coventry or for Ipswich
to lose or draw against Cardiff, would also do.
The Latics might not need to have been so concerned with matters elsewhere.
A comprehensive 3-0 win over Cardiff took them fourth in Division One in
mid-April, but a disappointing run of two draws and last week's defeat at
Nottingham Forest saw Paul Jewell's side drop out of the play-offs.
Palace lost and Ipswich drew but it mattered little in the end.
It was no surprise that the home side started with the greater impetus, with
Alan Pardew's side all but guaranteed their own top-six finish.
On four minutes, a Roberts flick sent Gary Teale wide into space, but Nathan
Ellington could only shoot at goalkeeper Stephen Bywater following a low cross.
Jimmy Bullard was a constant threat from midfield, forcing a fine save from
distance and coming close to capitalising on a mix-up between Bywater and Anton
Ferdinand.
Bobby Zamora and Marlon Harewood were virtual spectators as the West Ham
defence withstood the Latics' onslaught.
A blocked Steve Lomas shot aside, their first real chance came after 27
minutes, Harewood shooting straight at John Filan from close range after Don
Hutchison had flicked on a long Lomas throw-in.
But following a quick Alan Mahon break, West Ham failed to clear after
Ellington's shot was blocked and Roberts, a replacement for his suspended
namesake Jason, fired home at the far post - his first goal since August last
year.
The 34th minute strike took an edge off the intensity and the Latics took
their lead into the break.
The second period started much the same as the visitors struggled to find an
attacking platform, while at the other end an Ellington snap-shot confirmed
Wigan were hungry for more goals.
Pardew had seen enough and brought off midfielder Hutchison, who recently
returned from a long spell on the sidelines, for another striker in David
Connolly.
Although the Republic of Ireland international's work-rate gave the Hammers
another option, they were increasingly content to play out time.
However, the Latics were grateful to defender Nicky Eaden, who cleared
Harewood's point-blank header following Christian Dailly's flick-on before Filan
had to be alert to get a hand to Zamora's powerful drive.
Although they were playing a dangerous game, Wigan also appeared to have
settled for the scoreline.
They paid the price with Deane's last-gasp leveller and could find no way back
in the three minutes of added time.
Teams
Wigan Filan, Eaden, Breckin, De Vos, Baines, Teale, Bullard,
Farrelly (Jarrett 71), Mahon (McMillan 71), Ellington,
Neil Roberts (Liddell 85).
Subs Not Used: Walsh, Mitchell.
Booked: Baines.
Goals: Neil Roberts 34.
West Ham Bywater, Ferdinand, Dailly, Melville, Mullins,
Etherington (Reo-Coker 84), Carrick, Lomas,
Hutchison (Connolly 56), Zamora (Deane 73), Harewood.
Subs Not Used: Srnicek, Repka.
Booked: Mullins.
Goals: Deane 90.
Att: 20,669
Ref: R Pearson (Co Durham).
E-mail Article 
Print-Friendly
Subscribe to RSS Feed 
Post to del.icio.us
Facebook