Colombian Rodallega gives desperate Wigan victory

Colombian striker Hugo Rodallega’s second goal of the season earned Wigan three much-needed points in a 1-0 win over West Ham here on Saturday.

After a run of three straight league defeats, Roberto Martinez’s side claimed a morale-boosting victory when Rodallega pounced in the 55th minute to fire home after a Jason Koumas shot had been blocked by England goalkeeper Robert Green.

The goal finally breathed some life into what had been a stale encounter until that stage.

With West Ham pushing for an equaliser, Junior Stanislas looked dangerous as he won a corner that resulted in James Tomkins heading narrowly wide.

Chris Kirkland then had to be alert to tip a Scott Parker drive over the bar and the Wigan goalkeeper was very nearly beaten by substitute Alessandro Diamanti’s shot from wide on the right, the ball crashing against the bar.

Five minutes of stoppage time did nothing for the nerves of the home supporters but Wigan held out for their second win of the season.

West Ham had looked the more likely winners at the outset but Wigan gradually took control of the contest and only the excellence of Green kept the visitors on level terms at half-time.

Carlton Cole enjoyed West Ham’s best chance of the opening period but he could not bring Mark Noble’s pass under control and his touch succeeded only in delivering the ball into the arms of Kirkland.

Green’s best moment came when Rodallega’s shot took a deflection of Matthew Upson and looped over him, forcing the goalkeeper into a full stretch save, but there was also an important stop from Jordi Gomez to keep out Jordi Gomez’s dipping strike.