Wigan Athletic pay high price for profligacy as Wimbledon pinch points at death

In a battle of the bottom two in League One, Latics received a massive stroke of luck right at the start, when goalkeeper Joe Walsh raced out of his box to mop up a long ball, only to head the ball straight into Wimbledon striker Jayden Stockley.

With an open goal to aim at, Stockley appeared to be impeded by Walsh, but the official waved play on - much to the visitors' relief.

Within a minute at the other end, Jensen Weir's cross-shot deceived home goalkeeper Joe McDonnell, who managed to get back and tip it on to the bar and over for a corner.

Latics were almost in again when a deep cross was dropped by McDonnell, but Dara Costelloe's snapshot towards a gaping goal clipped a defender on its way behind.

The visitors were forced into an early sub when Akeel Higgins appeared to pick up a hamstring injury inside 12 minutes, and was immediately replaced by Archie Harris .

But still Latics pressed and a driving run by Connor Barrett into the box saw the ball drop to Costelloe, whose shot was again deflected wide for a corner.

A loose ball in the home box led to Sonny Perkins firing a yard past the post, before Gary Caldwell was shown a yellow card, for views expressed to the fourth official.

Latics continued to create - and waste - chances as Barrett's cross was blazed over the top by Harris, and Perkins again failed to hit the target from a good position.

Barrett forced a fine diving save from McDonnell, before Reggie Walsh led a three-on-two break but couldn't find the unmarked Costelloe, who would have been in on goal.

Latics’ afternoon was summed up twice the space of a minute midway through the second period, when they passed up two gilt-edged opportunities to nose in front.

First, Harris crossed for the unmarked Barrett, who took a touch only to fire against the goalkeeper.

Then, seconds later, James Carragher drilled the ball across the goal, and Perkins somehow fired over the top from a yard out.

Within a minute at the other end, following a mad scramble, Wimbledon hit the Latics post from close range.

There was still time for substitute K'Marni Miller to race through and force another great save from McDonnell, with Costelloe's follow-up being pouched by the custodian.

Finally, the deadlock was broken with two minutes left, but incredibly it was the home side who forced what proved to be the winner.

Donnell McNeilly threaded through the pass for Myles Hippolyte, who slid the ball under Walsh to leave Latics still rock bottom and without a point on the board after three league matches.