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Rob Hulse's goal gave Sheffield United their third Premiership away win of the season at the expense of Wigan.

Hulse illuminated an otherwise dull first half by turning in Stephen Quinn's cross at the near post.

As the game sprang to life in the second half, Blades keeper Paddy Kenny denied Wigan with three good saves.

Referee Peter Walton controversially reversed a decision to award United a penalty when Arjan De Zeeuw appeared to handle, after consulting his assistant.

Interview: Wigan manager Paull Jewell
Interview: Sheffield United boss Neil Warnock
Interview: Referee Peter Walton

Swathes of empty seats at the JJB Stadium hinted plenty of fans had opted for Christmas shopping and the first half suggested they had made the right choice.

Wigan, without a goal in their previous three home games, facing a Sheffield United side with only two Premiership goals away from home this season did not look likely to provide a goal feast.

Midfielder Michael Tonge had a shot blocked by De Zeeuw, and Danny Webber headed over at the near post from Quinn's cross as the Blades sought a breakthrough.

Arjan DeZeeuw and Michael Tonge battle for possession
De Zeeuw proves a tough barrier for Michael Tonge to pass

It was very much huff-and-puff stuff as both defences pushed up to compress space and neither side had anyone of quality to put their foot on the ball.

Connoisseurs of defending would have appreciated the sterling work of Wigan skipper De Zeeuw in keeping Hulse in check, while Claude Davis was ahead on points in his heavyweight contest with Emile Heskey.

As the game meandered towards the interval, Sheffield United took the lead on the stroke of half-time.

Gillespie's deep cross was too high for Hulse but fell for Quinn who returned the ball for Hulse to turn in only the Blades' third away goal of the season at the near post.

Wigan came out fast for the second half and Danny Landzaat's thumping drive provided Kenny with his first employment.

Kenny then excelled himself as Rob Kozluk was caught in possession by Kevin Kilbane but the Blades' keeper spread himself to block.

606 DEBATE: Give your thoughts on the match

Sheffield United thought they had a chance to seal the points when referee Walton pointed to the penalty spot after De Zeeuw appeared to handle Gillsepie's cross.

But after protesting Wigan players forced him to consult his assistant he reversed his decision.

Kirkland's only job in the first half was to pick the ball out of his net but he kept Wigan in touch with a double save to deny Gillespie and then Webber's follow-up effort.

The game at last sprung into life and Kenny reacted for a third time to deny Lee McCulloch, and substitute David Wright headed wide with the goal at his mercy.

Five minutes injury-time added to a frantic climax, which saw Nick Montgomery clear McCulloch's header off the line.

# Wigan manager Paul Jewell:
"We were disjointed and lacked endeavour, energy, cohesion and all the things you associate with Wigan.

"That was probably the worst first-half performance in four or five years since I have been here and there can be no excuse for that.

"Our home record isn't good and it's only ourselves who can dig us out of this."

# Blades' boss Neil Warnock backed referee Peter Walton's move to reverse his penalty award:
"It was the right thing to do."

"The linesman had the best view of things so it was the correct thing for Peter to consult him.

"If the referee thought there was any doubt he's got to disallow it."

Wigan: Kirkland, Boyce (Wright 65), De Zeeuw, Hall, Baines, Kilbane (Todorov 79), Landzaat, Skoko, McCulloch, Camara (Cotterill 46), Heskey.
Subs Not Used: Pollitt, Johansson.

Sheff Utd: Kenny, Kozluk, Davis, Morgan, Geary, Gillespie, Tonge (Montgomery 70), Jagielka, Stephen Quinn (Armstrong 70), Hulse, Webber (Bromby 88).
Subs Not Used: Nade, Kazim-Richards.

Booked: Morgan, Davis.

Goals: Hulse 45.

Att: 16,322

Referee: P Walton (Northamptonshire).


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