N'Zogbia punishes brave Preston

Wigan Athletic 2 Preston North End 1

Wigan Staged a dramatic late fightback to snatch a place in the fourth round of the Carling Cup at the expense of Preston. Jordi Gomez and Charles N'Zogbia struck in the closing three minutes as the struggling Premier League side prevailed at the DW Stadium.

Preston had led after Keith Treacy opened the scoring in the 23rd minute, the midfielder finding the bottom corner with a free-kick. The visitors almost grabbed a second as Paul Coutts struck a post and they missed a glorious chance to kill the game off 15 minutes from time when Coutts hit the woodwork for a second time when sent clear by substitute Jon Parkin.

Preston paid the penalty when Gomez levelled with a fine solo effort after jinking into the box three minutes from time. The visitors looked to have held on for extra-time but were stung in stoppage-time as N'Zogbia broke from a Preston corner, played a one-two with James McCarthy, and then blasted past goalkeeper Andy Lonergan.