Latics Let Points Slip at Newcastle

Wigan Athletic let slip a two goal lead against Newcastle United to end up with a share of the spoils in a game that should have seen all three heading back down the M6.

Charles N`Zogbia scored two first half goals on his first return to St. James` Park since his move to the DW Stadium in January 2009.

The France international was nicknamed insomnia during his time in the North East but it was the Newcastle back four that was left napping when little Charlie climbed above two defenders to nod home Franco Di Santo`s cross on 22 minutes.

With 24 minutes on the clock James McCarthy robbed Joey Barton of the ball in teh midfield, he fed Di Santo on Latics right who hit a first time cross into the box, N`Zogbia coming in on the left took the ball on his chest and then cracked a shot into the top corner from 10 yards, 2-0.

Newcastle looked shaken by the goals and the Latics were very much in the ascendancy and could have stretched their lead even further before the break, N`Zogbia and Di Santo both going close whilst Gomez had a couple of long range efforts.

Newcastle huffed and puffed but rarely threatened until substitute Shola Ameobi bundled in at the far post with 18 minutes left.

Newcastle upped the tempo but rarely threatened and Latics looked comfortable with the clock running down, then the inevitable happened. In the 92nd minute Newcastle were awarded a free-kick on the half way line after it appeared that Barton had actually fouled Rodallega, work that one out. The ball was hit quickly into the Latics box and Alcaraz headed out for a corner.

Jose Enrique hit the corner into the box, Carroll headed on and Coloccini stormed in unmarked at the back post to head home with the last action of the game, 2-2.

The result in such dramatic fashion left Latics feeling down but on reflection a good point that most would have taken before hand and still undefeated on the road.

Krul; Perch (Ranger, 89), Coloccini, Williamson, Jose Enrique; Guthrie (Routledge, 66), Barton, Tiote, Gutierrez; Lovenkrands (Ameobi, 60), Carroll

Subs: Soderberg, R. Taylor, Kadar, Smith Al Habsi; Boyce, S. Caldwell, Alcaraz, Figueroa; Thomas, McCarthy; Stam (Cleverley, 79), Gomez, N'Zogbia (Diame, 90); Di Santo (Rodallega, 65)

Subs: Kirkland, Watson, Boselli, Moses

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