Michael Jacobs on target for Latics

League One leaders Wigan were held to a 1-1 draw by Burton in a hard fought encounter at the Pirelli Stadium.

Latics remain in pole position for the title and are three points clear of second placed Burton with three to play. Third placed Walsall are six points behind Latics with four to play.

Latics went ahead on 8 minutes when Michael Jacobs’ cross-shot evaded everyone and found the Brewers net.

The home team levelled on 38 minutes when Tom Naylor rose at the back post and headed home Matty Palmer’s free-kick.

The Brewers threw everything at Latics in the second half, but the away team held firm and maintained their advantage at the top going into the last three games of the season.

Gary Caldwell made four changes to the team beaten at Doncaster. David Perkins was missing due to suspension while Donervon Daniels, Leon Barnett and Yanic Wildschut were replaced by Michael Jacobs, Reece Wabara, Chris McCann and Craig Morgan.

Latics started on the front foot and were on the attack right from the kick off.

After only eight minutes they went ahead through Jacobs. The tricky midfielder cut in from the right hand side and curled his effort past John McLaughlin and into the far corner of the Brewers net.

It was a great start for the 1800 travelling army of Latics fans.

Latics were on top for most of the first half, but Burton gradually clawed themselves back into the game and they drew level just before the interval.

Palmer floated in a free-kick from the left and Tom Naylor rose at the back post to head the ball past Jussi Jaaskelainen.

Burton maintained their momentum at the beginning of the second half and Latics had to defend in numbers to stem the tide of attacks.

Conor McAleny was replaced by Yanic Wildschut in the 60th minute as Latics looked for an attacking outlet on the break.

Both teams showed great commitment throughout and there were some crunching tackles but neither team were able to create many clear goal scoring opportunities in the second half.

Haris Vuckic replaced a tiring Michael Jacobs on 70 minutes as Latics looked to unlock a solid Burton defence.

Vuckic did have a shot blocked, before Grigg fired over the crossbar from inside the penalty area.

Duffy then had a chance for Burton but headed over in the 88th minute.

McCann might have won it for Latics in the 90th minute, but he too blazed over the crossbar after good work by Wildschut had set him up.

In the end a draw was probably a fair result, but Latics will be the happier of the two teams vying for the title going into the final three games of the season.