Super-sub Smith snatches last-gasp leveller
Substitute Matt Smith snatched a dramatic injury-time equaliser for Latics in their npower League One match at Sheffield United.
Almost six minutes of stoppage time had been played when Smith (pictured) struck to cancel the goal from former Latics' loanee Nick Blackman which had given the Blades the lead.
Smith eluded the offside trap to side foot a Jose Baxter cross past keeper George Long from eight yards.
Almost six minutes of stoppage time had been played when Smith (pictured) struck to cancel the goal from former Latics' loanee Nick Blackman which had given the Blades the lead.
Smith eluded the offside trap to side foot a Jose Baxter cross past keeper George Long from eight yards.
After a largely lacklustre opening half, the second period began at a far quicker pace.
And it was the Blades who were the more potent attacking force.
A deep cross from left-back Marcus Williams floated over keeper Dean Bouzanis but drifted just wide before Kevin McDonald forced Bouzanis to scramble his shot round the post for a corner.
The breakthrough came in the 50th minute when Jean-Yves M'voto pulled back Dave Kitson and referee Scott Mathieson pointed to the spot.
And it was ex-player Blackman who stepped forward to score from the spot, his sixth goal of the season.
Cristiano Montano had a couple of goal attempts, but each time shot over the crossbar.
Matt Derbyshire then had two strikes, the second effort bringing a decent save from keeper George Long.
The second period became increasingly niggly with several flare ups involving rival players.
Latics made their first substitution with eight minutes left when Robbie Simpson was replaced by Smith.
The Blades had a great chance to seal victory in the 86th minute when Ryan Flynn intercepted a pass and raced clear past Jonathan Grounds and M'voto before firing wide of the far upright with only Bouzanis to beat.
Smith had a chance to equalise but Long dived to keep out his header from Montano's corner.
Then with time running out - the referee had indicated three minutes of added time - came Smith's equaliser in the sixth additional minute to send the 864 visiting fans wild with delight.
A deep cross from left-back Marcus Williams floated over keeper Dean Bouzanis but drifted just wide before Kevin McDonald forced Bouzanis to scramble his shot round the post for a corner.
The breakthrough came in the 50th minute when Jean-Yves M'voto pulled back Dave Kitson and referee Scott Mathieson pointed to the spot.
And it was ex-player Blackman who stepped forward to score from the spot, his sixth goal of the season.
Cristiano Montano had a couple of goal attempts, but each time shot over the crossbar.
Matt Derbyshire then had two strikes, the second effort bringing a decent save from keeper George Long.
The second period became increasingly niggly with several flare ups involving rival players.
Latics made their first substitution with eight minutes left when Robbie Simpson was replaced by Smith.
The Blades had a great chance to seal victory in the 86th minute when Ryan Flynn intercepted a pass and raced clear past Jonathan Grounds and M'voto before firing wide of the far upright with only Bouzanis to beat.
Smith had a chance to equalise but Long dived to keep out his header from Montano's corner.
Then with time running out - the referee had indicated three minutes of added time - came Smith's equaliser in the sixth additional minute to send the 864 visiting fans wild with delight.
Full time: Sheff Utd 1, Latics 1.