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MATCH SUMMARY
Wakefield (6) 10
Tries: Atkins, Demetriou
Goals: Jeffries
Wigan (6) 8
Tries: Paleaasina
Goals: Tickle 2
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Wigan's Super League survival hopes suffered a potentially crippling blow with an agonising defeat against fellow strugglers Wakefield.
Ryan Atkins broke the deadlock after 28 minutes, but Wigan's Iafeta Paleaaesina levelled the scores at the break.
Danny Tickle's penalty edged Wigan ahead but Jason Demetriou's 53rd-minute try for Wakefield restored their lead.
Pat Richards looked to have won the game for Wigan in the 78th minute, but the video referee ruled a knock-on.
After conceding 422 points in their previous 13 Super League games, Wigan did look to have shored up their defence in a tight opening spell, showing far more resolve in defence than in recent weeks.
But the Warriors were fortunate not to fall behind on 20 minutes when Jason Demetriou knocked on with the line at his mercy.
Atkins finally opened the scoring on 28 minutes, powering over from close range after Sam Obst hacked a loose ball forward.
Wakefield should have gone further ahead moments later, but a brilliant try-saving tackle from Brett Dallas stopped Ben Jeffries after David Solomona and Colum Halpenny put him clear.
The Wildcats then lost their composure somewhat, conceding two penalties in quick succession and Paleaaesina crashed over to level the scores at the break.
David March was tackled inches short, and Wigan survived another scare when Halpenny's clean break was called back for a block by Jeffries.
Tickle put Wigan ahead for the first time from the penalty which followed, but the kicking from hand by Dennis Moran and Sean O'Loughlin was substandard throughout.
Wakefield's kicking game, on the other hand, was far superior, and it was no surprise when Jeffries clever kick created the pressure from which Demetriou scored.
Wigan struggled to open up Wakefield, but Richards' effort in the dying moments looked to have secured a vital victory for the Warriors.
But, after an anxious wait for the decision of the video referee, the score was ruled out for a knock-on.
And with games against top two sides Leeds and St Helens coming up for a Wigan side adrift at the bottom of the table, that decision could prove crucial to the future of one of rugby league's most famous clubs.
Wakefield coach Tony Smith on the controversial decision to disallow Pat Richards' late effort:
"Brian Noble might be a bit vexed but we've had a lot of decisions go against us this year.
"Let's not take away anything from the players of both teams. It might have looked like a poor game to watch but you had to be there to appreciate the defences of both teams.
"I asked my players at half-time to show character and they definitely did that. I'm proud of every one of my players."
Wigan coach Brian Noble:
"We didn't kick very well in the second half which was disappointing for us but in the main I thought we deserved at least a share of the spoils, if not the spoils themselves.
"But when you're down, these things kick you in the teeth.
"We're going to set ourselves goals for the next 14 games. We're on a bit of a time-scale. The sand clock is coming down on us."
Wakefield: Halpenny, Whittle, Demetriou, Atkins, Tadulala, Jeffries, Obst, MacGillivray, March, Korkidas, Solomona, Wrench, Betham.
Replacements: Griffin, White, Catic, Watene.
Wigan: Ashton, Dallas, Vaealiki, Goulding, Richards, Orr, Moran, Paleaaesina, Higham, Logan, Fletcher, Hill, O'Loughlin.
Replacements: Seu Seu, Godwin, Tickle, McAvoy.
Referee: S Ganson (St Helens)
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