Wigan 1 Burnley 0: Hugo Rodallega strikes late to shatter Clarets

21 March 2010 00:23
You can almost hear the death-knell tolling over Burnley's season in the Premier League. Defeat, inflicted in the last seconds of added time, sent them back across Lancashire in misery.[LNB]The goal, a violent header from Hugo Rodallega from a sweeping Victor Moses cross, finally defeated the defiant Burnley goalkeeper, Brian Jensen. [LNB]The three points inched Wigan further from the relegation area and brought delight to their fans. [LNB] Wigan Athletic's Hugo Rodallega (right) celebrates with team mate Titus Bramble[LNB]In the few minutes before the goal, Jensen had produced three astonishing saves. [LNB]The outcome left Wigan manager Roberto Martinez purring: 'This was pride, not relief. We got what we deserved.' [LNB]That sinking feeling: Laws has accrued just four points from a possible 33[LNB]Pride, too, echoed by Burnley manager Brian Laws, who talked about the desire, commitment and togetherness of his side. [LNB]'If we continue to play like that we can get out of danger,' he said. [LNB]A bleak first half suggested both sides were relegation material.The fight and desire you might expect of two clubs in dire difficultieswere sadly missed. It came later.[LNB]The only chance followed a spat between Burnley captain GrahamAlexander and his keeper in the 18th minute, with the skipper beratedby Jensen for a lazy back pass that the keeper flicked wide with hisboot for a corner.[LNB]Wigan's Gary Caldwell was first to the resulting kick and crashed a header against the angle of bar and post. [LNB]Before that Burnley argued hard and long when striker David Nugentwas felled by a Titus Bramble challenge that looked worthy of a yellowcard. Referee Mike Jones took no action. [LNB]In the second half, a free-kick from Wigan's Maynor Figueroa flashedwide, then Wade Elliott cleared off the line as Rodallega looked topounce in a scramble. [LNB]When Burnley's Martin Paterson clipped the Wigan bar it was no morethan a scare. Jensen saved magnificently from Jason Scotland andMohamed  Diame before Rodallega's flying header settled it.[LNB] Spurs' Peter Crouch enjoys a flutter at Cheltenham as Titus Bramble and Lee Cattermole count their winningsTHE FIRING LINE: Hammer time! After Phil Brown's departure Gianfranco Zola looks hot for the chopWIGAN ATHLETIC FC

Source: Daily_Mail