HT Wolves 1-1 Wigan: Watson levels it

Ben Watson brought Wigan back on level terms in a tense Barclays Premier League battle with Wolves at Molineux.

Jamie O'Hara struck for the third time in four games to put Wolves ahead when he converted a cross from Kevin Doyle.

But Wigan striker Hugo Rodallega spurned two clear-cut chances before Watson equalised after his penalty had initially been saved by Wayne Hennessey.

Wolves manager Mick McCarthy named an unchanged side for the Barclays Premier League battle with Wigan at Molineux.

Striker Steven Fletcher was fit after a three-match absence with a calf problem and included amongst the substitutes.

Wigan central defender Gary Caldwell was suspended after incurring five bookings and replaced by Steve Gohouri.

Latics boss Roberto Martinez left out Albert Crusat and brought striker Franco Di Santo into the starting line-up with both sides desperate for points at the wrong end of the table.

Wolves were the first to threaten to threaten and midfielder Dave Edwards made a good run in behind lone striker Kevin Doyle and forced Ali Al Habsi to parry away to his left.

The home side looked to have strong claims for a penalty after five minutes when Al Habsi appeared to catch the feet of Stephen Hunt as he took the ball past him.
Hunt never went to ground and referee Lee Probert waved play on despite the protests of the Wolves players.

A Roger Johnson header then struck the hand of Antolin Alcaraz inside the Wigan box although the defender was looking the other way.

Johnson just failed to make contact at the far post with a testing Jamie O'Hara free-kick in a bright start by Wolves.

The Wolves fans were trying to lift their side after the abuse aimed at McCarthy in the previous home game with Swansea.
Edwards again threatened danger when he got on the end of a Hunt centre but his header was directed just wide.

Victor Moses outstripped Wolves defender Stephen Ward and his teasing cross just eluded Di Santo.

An error by Wolves skipper Johnson almost proved costly and it needed an important tackle from Christophe Berra to deny Di Santo.

Mohamed Diame robbed Adlene Guedioura in possession and teed up Hugo Rodallega in space but he failed to make proper contact on his shot which did not test Wayne Hennessey.

Alcaraz became the first player to be yellow carded after 26 minutes for a challenge on Doyle.

Doyle did well to get past Alcaraz but he over-hit his cross intended for the run of Edwards.

Berra again did well with a last-ditch tackle inside the Wolves box to halt Di Santo at the expense of a corner.

Wolves had a let-off when Di Santo robbed Richard Stearman and his floated centre found Rodallega unmarked but, from eight yards out, he poked the ball wide.

It was a costly let-off as 30 seconds later O'Hara put Wolves in front with his third goal in the last four games.

Hennessey's clearance was flicked on by Guedioura to Doyle and his cross from the by-line was bundled over the line by O'Hara.

The relief was evident all around Molineux and it was only the second time this season Wolves have scored first in a game.

Berra was holding the Wolves defence together and again tidied up after casual play by Karl Henry almost played his side into trouble.

But four minutes before half-time Ben Watson levelled for Wigan after Hunt brought down Emmerson Boyce inside the box.
Hennessey saved Watson's spot-kick but the Latics player was able to convert the rebound.