Caldwell given the Blues despite late Latics leveller

Latics left it late to peg back Gary Rowett’s Blues at the DW Stadium, Craig Davies popping up in the 90th minute to notch his first goal in almost a year.

The visitors had looked like going home with all three points thanks to David Davis’ goal just before the break, which Caldwell felt would have been a massive injustice on the balance of play.

“It’s a feeling of frustration at the end,” the Latics boss admitted.

“I think anyone who was here at the game would have seen there was one team trying to win it.

“They got gifted their goal, from not our doing, meaning we had to chase the game, against a team that likes to pack their defence and counter attack - which isn’t easy.

“I thought we controlled the situation really well, and if anything we deserved to win the game.”

Caldwell could not hide his disgust at the way Birmingham - who also hit the woodwork in either half - had taken the lead on 43 minutes.

After being fouled in the penalty area by Latics goalkeeper Adam Bogdan, Clayton Donaldson saw his spot-kick saved by the big Hungarian - only for team-mate Davis to prod home the rebound from a yard.

However, TV replays clearly showed the midfielder had encroached into the box before the kick was taken, which should have resulted in a re-take.

When it was suggested David had ‘appeared’ to have encroached, Caldwell responded: “Appeared? I think that’s the wrong word!

“You can complain, but it falls on deaf ears.

“I’m no referee, but the rule is you can’t go into the box until the ball has been hit.

“It’s clear, and I’d just like them to own up at times and say: ‘Look, I made a mistake’.

“That would help, but it’s the sheer defiance, that there’s nothing wrong, and we get on with it - when really there is something wrong.

“The goal could have been avoided - because it was marginally offside as well.

“There’s no dispute it’s a penalty, Adam brings him down.

“But you can’t get as many things wrong in a football match as important as this.”