Reggae Boy Tilt heads late winner

LONDON, England (CMC):

Reggae Boy Curtis Tilt ended Wigan's dismal run and condemned his 10-man former club Blackpool to a place in the English Championship's drop zone with a late headed winner at the DW Stadium on Saturday.

In Europe, 25-year-old Grenada winger Regan Charles-Cook scored one of 10 goals as his Belgian top-flight side KAS Eupen drew 5-5 at SV Zulte Waregem, a result that left Eupen one place above their opponents in 15th place in the 18-strong league.

The Spice Boy, who joined Eupen in June from Scottish Premiership club Ross County on a free transfer after signing a three-year contract, netted on 20 minutes for his third goal of the campaign.

Tilt, a 31-year-old defender who made his Jamaica debut in March last year, struck in the 88th minute to end a spirited rearguard action from the Seasiders, who played the last 73 minutes a player short following the dismissal of Marvin Ekpiteta.

The Seasiders upset the odds to take the lead on 34 minutes as Gary Madine fired a shot into the top corner. But the hosts levelled in the 54th minute as James McClean swung in a corner which Charlie Wyke attacked, with the ball apparently going straight in.

Just when it seemed Michael Appleton's side might hold out for a much-needed point after suffering defeats in their three previous games, Tilt scored the winner.

Tendayi Darikwa crossed into the box after Blackpool had only half-cleared a corner, and Tilt, who spent two-and-a-half seasons at Bloomfield Road, headed home his first goal of the season.

That ended a run of six defeats and a draw, which had brought Leam Richardson's reign at the DW Stadium to a close, but both clubs remain in the bottom three.

Wigan's interim manager, Rob Kelly, said: "It was a relief for everyone to get the win. It was an important three points for everybody. I thought they responded really well (to going behind), certainly after half-time."