GAVIN Gunning suffered an evening of mixed fortunes tonight as Blackburn Rovers reserves lost 2-1 at Wigan Athletic.

The young defender was caught out for Wigan’s freak opener but made amends with a powerfully-headed equaliser after the break.

Gunning’s night was ended prematurely though when he was shown a second yellow card of the game on 72 minutes to leave Rovers down to 10 men.

Rovers fielded an experienced side, including the likes of David Dunn, Brett Emerton, Junior Hoilett, Benjani and Steven Nzonzi.

Eighteen-year-old Josh Morris started at left back and is expected to sign his first professional deal in the next couple of days.

After an even start, Rovers went behind to a freak opener as Gunning saw his attempted clearance cannon off Callum McManaman and into the net on 21 minutes.

Dunn was doing his best to get an experienced visitors side back into the game and set Emerton through on goal on 32. The Australian’s goal-bound strike was blocked.

Dunn then curled an effort at goalkeeper Mike Pollitt, before JHoilett had a shot saved by the stopper after cutting inside Wigan’s defence from the left.

After the break, Gunning headed Josh Morris’s deep free kick onto the post, before heading home the equaliser on 65 minutes from another Morris free kick.

Wigan retook the lead on 78 minutes through substitute Jordan Rugg. Benjani was denied late on when his snap shot was saved by Pollitt.