Tuncay makes a point

TUNCAY SANLI’S second-half header denied Wigan a precious victory as Stoke made off with a point at the DW Stadium.

The Latics took an early lead when Paul Scharner connected with Charles N’Zogbia’s wonderfully-flighted free-kick in the 14th minute.

But Tuncay rose to head home Matthew Etherington’s cross 16 minutes from time to ensure it finished honours even.

Stoke started well, Rory Delap launched a throw into the area where it was only partially cleared to Glenn Whelan, whose shot was deflected wide.

After 13 minutes Wigan were ahead. Etherington was booked for obstructing N’Zogbia midway into the Stoke half and the Frenchman sent a beautiful delivery into the box from the free-kick which Scharner headed past the diving Thomas Sorensen.

As the half drew to a close Wigan went close to extending their advantage, Scharner managing to flick N’Zogbia’s corner towards goal from six yards out, but the midfielder was leaning back too much to guide it on target.

Tony Pulis threw on Ricardo Fuller – who was arrested at the weekend – 15 minutes into the second half, and a minute later Tuncay unleashed a shot on the turn which was deflected over by substitute Jordi Gomez.

But at the other end, Rodallega almost produced a moment of magic, holding off Shawcross and executing a bicycle kick that looped inches over Sorensen’s bar.

Stoke were looking increasingly potent and with just over a quarter of an hour remaining, Tuncay found an equaliser.

Etherington fed Fuller sent a cross to the feet of Caldwell. The defender’s clearance went straight back to Etherington, though, and he crossed for an unmarked Tuncay to head past Kirkland.

WIGAN: Kirkland, Boyce, Bramble, Caldwell, Figueroa, N’Zogbia, Scharner, Diame (Moreno 81), Rodallega, Scotland (Gomez 60), McCarthy (Thomas 54).

STOKE: Sorensen, Wilkinson, Huth, Shawcross, Higginbotham, Delap (Fuller 60), Whelan, Whitehead, Etherington, Sanli (Lawrence 88), Sidibe (Beattie 88).

Ref: A Marriner (W Midlands).