WIGAN had to settle for a point in their opening championship fixture against Nottingham Forest and both goals were surrounded in controversy.

The Latics dominated the first half taking the lead on 38 minutes through Scottish winger Lee McCulloch. But referee Phil Dowd waved away claims that striker Nathan Ellington handled the ball before McCulloch got the shot in.

Forest equalised after 53 minutes with Wigan protesting in vain that scorer Gareth Taylor was in an offside position.

Andy Reid's free kick had hit the Wigan wall and the mis-hit shot from Matthieu Louis-Jean hit Taylor and went in.

Wigan had the best chances to win it but Forest experienced goalkeeper Paul Gerrard was outstanding as he produced a string of excellent saves including two late on from Wigan newcomer David Graham. Tweet