Amr Zaki was the hero once again for Wigan Athletic as he left it late to add another to his ever-growing Latics goal tally.

The popular Egyptian who came close on numerous occasions throughout the game, met Olivier Kapo's cross with vigour. The fierce strike that followed rippled the back of the net, producing a roar of relief and delight from the crowd.

It was an unfortunate start for Latics though, as Steed Malbranque's cross was headed in by the unlucky Titus Bramble. Malbranque's corner had initially been headed away by Kevin Kilbane but his second cross was met by the head of Bramble, who in an attempt to put the ball behind for a corner, headed into his own goal.

Latics seemed to dominate proceedings throughout the match with countless chances. Amr Zaki coming the closest in the second half when he headed Jason Koumas' pin-point cross with a bullet header, hitting the post.

Olivier Kapo also had a fantastic goal bound pile driver pushed wide by Craig Gordon who was found to be in fantastic form all afternoon, frustrating Latics fans and players alike.

The breakthrough finally came from Zaki with just ten minutes remaining as he latched on to a Jason Koumas cross.

There was one late blow for Latics though as midfielder Lee Cattermole received his marching orders for a late challenge on Teemu Tainio. Rob Styles gave the midfielder his second yellow card of the afternoon.

Latics remained determined throughout, despite the early setback. The same spirit that was shown against West Ham and Chelsea was apparent yet again. Thankfully there was a much more rewarding outcome this time round.

LATICS: Kirkland; Melchiot(c), Boyce, Bramble, Figueroa, Valencia, Cattermole, Palacios (Kapo 64), Kilbane (Koumas 56), Heskey, Zaki (Scharner 90)
SUBS: Pollitt; Brown, de Ridder, Camara

SUNDERLAND: Gordon; Chimbonda, Ferdinand, Nosworthy, McCartney, Malbranque (Murphy 67), Whitehead (c), Tainio, Richardson, Diouf, Cisse
SUBS: Fulop; Bardsley, Collins, Leadbitter, Reid, Healy