Wigan Athletic head into half time with a 2-1 lead in their must-win relegation clash at Rotherham United courtesy of two Jermaine Pennant free kicks.
Both sides created half-chances in the opening stages, and it was the hosts who came closest in the 10th minute when Paul Green fired narrowly wide after his cross was deflected back into his path.
Rotherham threatened again in the 17th minute as Richard Smallwood hit a half-volley wide after being picked out by Kari Arnason with a swift throw-in.
Wigan were living dangerously and they had a moment of panic in the 21st minute as Kirk Broadfoot's nod-on caused chaos in their penalty area, but the Latics defence eventually cleared their lines.
The away side took the lead against the run of play just after the half-hour mark and it came from a free kick, Pennant curling over the wall and into the top corner.
Five minutes later, Wigan were awarded another free kick in a near-identical position, and Pennant worked his magic again to put the Latics two goals up.
Rotherham looked dead and buried, but gave themselves a lifeline right on the stroke of half time as Matt Derbyshire nodded home a corner at the back post, giving them everything to play for in the second period.
Mark Langshaw
