Wasteful Wigan gift Fulham - Wigan 1-2 Fulham

Fulham hurt Wigan Athletic on their own turf, Hugo Rodallega hurt his old club and, perhaps most notably, Steve Sidwell and Ben Watson hurt referee Lee Probert with a crunching challenge. The official fell to the floor and required treatment but, thankfully, saw the funny side, waving an imaginary red card at the pair.

That's not to say that Probert's untimely injury was something of an unexpected highlight because, in truth, this was a very entertaining game which, come its climax, was a very closely fought affair.

You wouldn't have thought so after Hugo Rodallega had got his season off to a the start it needed and Damien Duff added yet another to his account, but 2-0 at that point in the game was a particularly harsh reflection of what was happening on the pitch. Wigan were lively but Fulham's goal was blessed up until the dying moments, when Arouna Kone grabbed a late consolation.

The story was different in the first half, though, as Fulham opened the game strongly and looked to press Roberto Martinez's side. Dimitar Berbatov, yet again influential throughout, came close on various occasions, two in particular drawing acrobatic saves from home goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi. The Bulgarian also chipped a cross onto the head of Rodallega, but he could only fire at his former team mate.

And so it was no surprise that Berbatov had his part to play in the opening goal of the game. He picked out Rodallega again and in this time, the Columbian did the business with a bullet header. He didn't celebrate, out of respect from his ex-employers, and the Wigan fans appreciated the gesture.

The goal stirred Wigan and they finally came to life. Jean Beausejour crossed for Jordi Gomez but somehow his shot stayed out, hitting the underside of the bar and bouncing favourably for Mark Schwarzer.

It was much the same in the second period - Wigan were pushing forward but just weren't applying the final, necessary touch. Ben Watson headed wide before Kone was released behind the backline, but a poor touch meant he could only poke a shot at Schwarzer who, it must be noted, had an excellent afternoon.

He yet again looked unbeatable and, in spite of his age, pulled off some wonderfully agile saves.

Not long after, the Australian was again called into action as a James McCarthy shot was met with a parried save. The ball fell to Mauro Boselli but he managed to steer the ball wide of the goal, much to the relief of the vociferous away following.

Fulham then doubled their advantage, making the game somewhat reminiscent of last year's 2-0 win at the same ground. Wigan were in control, but Fulham were two to the good. Bryan Ruiz this time proved pivotal to the move, after he came on to replace Alex Kacanilkic. The Costa Rican held off defenders to tee up Duff, who duly delivered with his third goal of the campaign.

This didn't shake Wigan too much, though, and another smart Schwarzer save denied Ivan Ramis' header out, but there was not much he could do about Kone's consolation. A fine turn was matched with a stunning finish but it wouldn't prove to change the game.

Rather, it just made Wigan's profligacy that little bit more unnoticeable.