BLACKBURN Rovers lost a thrilling encounter at Wigan Athletic 4-3 this afternoon as they were made to pay for some poor defending.

Jason Roberts had given Rovers an early lead before James McCarthy levelled matters 10 minutes before half time.

Rovers' good first half work counted for nothing early in the second as Wigan took the lead for the first time just five minutes in.

Victor Moses flick on allowed Hugo Rodallega to race behind Rovers' defence, round goalkeeper Paul Robinson and fire home.

Unbelievably the hosts extended their lead just six minutes later as the game threatened to get away from Steve Kean's men.

Some poor defending in Rovers' box allowed McCarthy to flick the ball up to himself, to then volley the ball into the corner of the net.

Rovers were back in the game on 59 minutes though as skipper Chris Samba provided the perfect response.

Morten Gamst Pedersen's corner was well delivered from the left and Samba rose majestically to power home a header to reduce Rovers' defecit.

The hope quickly evaporated on 67 as Ben Watson made it 4-2 from the penalty spot, after Mohamed Diame was controversially adjudged to have been tripped by Salgado in the area.

Mame Biram Diouf should have pulled Rovers back into the game soon after, prodding wide when clear through, but Dunn did ensure a grand stand finish on 81 minutes.

Rovers substitute was fouled by Boyce just inside the penalty area and he dusted himself down to convert the spot kick.

Rovers dominated the opening half and deservedly took the lead on 23 minutes through Jason Roberts calm finish.

The striker latched on to Brett Emerton's pinpoint low cross from the right to prod home from close range, after Junior Hoilett's defence-splitting pass.

Chances were then missed by the visitors before James McCarthy levelled for the hosts on 35, converting a rebound after Emerson Boyce's shot had been saved by Paul Robinson.