Deane denies Wigan at the death

A dramatic last-minute goal by West Ham’s Brian Deane denied Wigan a place in the Nationwide First Division play-offs and also handed Crystal Palace a top six finish.

The Latics had led through Neil Roberts’ 34th-minute goal but Deane popped up to head the equaliser and save the blushes of Palace, who lost 2-1 at Coventry but still managed to finish in the final play-off position.

West Ham held on to fourth thanks to the 1-1 draw with Wigan while Sunderland came from a goal down to beat Burnley 2-1 and secure third.

Ipswich drew 1-1 with Cardiff at Portman Road but it was enough to claim fifth.

At the other end of the table, Walsall’s heroics in beating Rotherham 3-2 at the Bescot Stadium were in vain and they were relegated due to to Gillingham’s goalless draw at Stoke.