Wigan ended the game with nine men and were pegged back by Crystal Palace after a full-blooded Nationwide Division One clash ended in controversy.

Jason Roberts was dismissed for the second time this season after clashing with Tony Popovic, and midfielder Jason Jarrett also saw red after ugly scenes in injury time.

Palace defender Danny Granville had earlier cancelled out Nathan Ellington's opener 11 minutes from time to frustrate a Latics side who had spent most of the afternoon on the front foot.

Ellington broke the deadlock on the stroke of half-time to give Wigan the edge after a cagey first half.

Nico Vaesen was left with no chance after the forward's crisp strike from the edge of the area took a huge deflection to loop agonisingly over the stranded Palace keeper.

The visitors were happy to keep men behind the ball during the early stages, and their caution almost paid off when Jimmy Bullard's curling effort flashed narrowly past Vaesen's post.

Palace striker Neil Shipperley, back in the side after recovering from a groin strain, was within inches of connecting with Andy Johnson's tempting cross as Palace rallied. Popovic was guilty of spurning the Eagles' best chance when he headed wide of the upright from six yards.

Three straight wins had taken Palace to within three points of the play-offs with a game in hand on most of the sides above them. And their confidence built as the half wore on with Aki Riihilahti and Julian Gray both going close from distance.

Wigan manager Paul Jewell was forced into a change shortly after the half hour. Teenage defender Leighton Baines - so impressive since establishing himself as the club's first-choice left back - limped off to be replaced by Paul Mitchell.

The change did little to disrupt Wigan, who went close through Alan Mahon before Ellington changed the course of the game with his 19th goal of the season.

Stung by the unfortunate nature of Wigan's goal, Palace emerged brighter after the break with Mark Hudson smashing a fierce volley narrowly over the bar. Johnson then found space outside the area but his rising volley was also too high.

Iain Dowie introduced Shaun Derry for Riihilahti after the hour, and the change almost paid an immediate dividend. The lively Johnson saw his drive rebound off the post with Filan beaten.

Ellington went close to adding a second goal before Granville converted his third goal of the season from close range.

Teams

Crystal Palace Vaesen, Butterfield (Freedman 75), Hudson, Popovic, Granville, Routledge, Hughes, Riihilahti (Derry 64), Gray, Johnson, Shipperley.

Subs Not Used: Berthelin, Black, Leigertwood.

Booked: Riihilahti, Popovic.

Goals: Granville 79.

Wigan Filan, Eaden, Breckin, De Vos, Baines (Mitchell 34), Liddell (Teale 66), Bullard, Jarrett, Mahon (McCulloch 78), Ellington, Jason Roberts.

Subs Not Used: Walsh, Farrelly.

Sent Off: Jarrett (90), Jason Roberts (90).

Booked: De Vos, Jason Roberts, Jarrett, McCulloch.

Goals: Ellington 45.

Att: 18,799

Ref: M Thorpe (Suffolk).