A stoppage time free kick from Shaun Maloney rescued a 1-1 draw for Wigan Athletic from their trip to fellow strugglers Queens Park Rangers in the Premier League this afternoon.
There were two major talking points during the first half - both of which went against the home side. With 15 minutes played Loic Remy saw his strike from distance rebound to safety off the post and Bobby Zamora was red carded six minutes later for a high challenge on Jordi Gomez.
Visiting Wigan saw more of the ball following the dismissal of Zamora, but they struggled to create many clear-cut chances.
© PA Photos
Their best opening fell to James McArthur in the 77th minute when he was picked out unmarked in the area by Maloney. However, he could only succeed in heading the ball straight at Julio Cesar.
That miss was punished in the 85th minute courtesy of a counter-attacking goal for the home side. Stephane Mbia broke into the Wigan half following a free-kick situation before slotting the ball into the path of Remy. Instead of taking a touch, the French striker hit an instant shot into the top corner of the net.
They were unable to hold on, though, because in the fourth minute of stoppage time Scottish attacker Maloney floated a free kick over the QPR wall and out of the reach of Cesar.
The outcome means that both teams remain in the Premier League's relegation zone. QPR are seven points from safety in 19th, while Wigan are a place higher.
Liam Apicella
