Maynor Figueroa struck in the dying moments of the match to ensure Wigan a vital 1-0 win over struggling Tottenham at the JJB Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Spurs were almost gifted the opening goal within the first minute as Chris Kirkland failed to gather Ledley King's header, but the goalkeeper recovered in time to punch away from Michael Dawson as the midfielder looked to nod home the rebound.

Spurs again looked threatening coming forward as Luka Modric slid the ball into the area, but Jamie O'Hara dragged his shot wide of the mark from just 12 yards out when really he should have at least tested the 'keeper.

The Latics began to find their feet as the half went on and had a great chance to go ahead as Ryan Taylor delivered a pin-point free-kick from the right, but Amr Zaki could only head his effort just inches wide of the up-right after arriving ahead of Didier Zokora.

The second-half proved a more scrappy affair, with referee Andre Marriner brandishing no fewer that six yellow cards, with three a piece.

Steve Bruce's men almost grabbed the vital goal with just moments left in the match as Zaki rose well to meet Taylor's outswinging corner, but the striker couldn't direct his header and it flew just wide of the post.

But with just seconds remaining in the match Taylor again delivered a telling ball into the box, and this time the hosts made no mistake as Figueroa rose highest to head past a stranded Heurelho Gomes.

The result sees Wigan go four points behind fifth-placed Everton while Tottenham remain in the relegation zone.

WIGAN: Kirkland, Melchiot, Scharner, Bramble, Figueroa, Valencia, Palacios, Cattermole, Taylor, Heskey, Zaki

Subs: Pollitt, Edman, Kilbane, Brown, Boyce, De Ridder, Camara

TOTTENHAM: Gomes, Zokora, Dawson, Woodgate, King, Bale, Corluka, Modric, O'Hara, Pavlyuchenko, Defoe

Subs: Cesar, Bentley, Huddlestone, Lennon, Jenas, Bent, Campbell

Referee: Andre Marriner (W Midlands)