WEST HAM came from behind to snatch a last-gasp victory thanks to skipper Nigel Reo-Coker's closerange tap-in at the JJB Stadium. Wigan had taken the lead just before the break with a stunning long-range drive from Lee McCulloch.

But Paul Scharner's weak header back to Wigan keeper Mike Pollitt dropped short allowing Marlon Harewood to round the substitute keeper and tap in to level. The game looked to be heading for a draw before Teddy Sheringham crossed for ReoCoker who slotted home.

With both defences on top early on, supporters had to wait until the 32nd minute for signs of life in the penalty area. That was due to the industry of Wigan's Leighton Baines down the left and a cross that resulted in a 15yard shot on the turn from Jason Roberts which flashed over the crossbar.

Moments later Shaka Hislop was called upon for the third time in the half in turning aside a left-foot curler from Lee McCulloch which was bound for the top righthand corner. The deadlock was then broken in injury time, with McCulloch rifling home a 25-yarder past a rooted Hislop for his second goal in successive matches.

Six minutes into second half Wigan should have opened up a two-goal cushion as Henri Camara's electrifying pace took him away from Scaloni, but despite a clear sight of goal, his shot was driven into the arms of Hislop. It was a reprieve West Ham instantly took full advantage of as Hislop's immediate punt up field was flicked on by Ashton. Covering defender Scharner's diving header on the edge of the area back to Pollitt, albeit under pressure from Harewood, was weak.

That allowed Harewood to flick the ball virtually out of Pollitt's hands as he attempted to save the situation, before tapping home his 15th goal of the season.

Both McCulloch and Camara then had chances to win it for Wigan before substitute Sheringham squared for the West Ham captain Reo-Coker to steal all three points.