Vital draw pleases Bruce

Wigan Athletic manager Steve Bruce thought the point his side won against Reading on Saturday could have sealed their Premier League survival.

The goalless draw against the Royals moved the Latics five points clear of the relegation zone with two games left and also extended their recent unbeaten run to four matches.

An ecstatic Bruce said: "We're virtually there but still have a bit of work to do.

"The Reading game wasn't a great one for the heart - it was tense and nervous. Sometimes when it's like that it's better to be playing away.

"The crowd were on the edge of their seats, and that ebbed through to the players. I think everyone in the stadium was nervous.

"But this might be the point which takes us over the line. There are now a lot of clubs with plenty to do, although we're still in the mix.

"Going to Aston Villa won't be easy, but no-one gave us a hope at Chelsea a couple of weeks ago and look what happened.

"Birmingham have to go Fulham on Saturday and that should be one hell of a game. Fulham didn't win an away game for 18 months and now they've won two on the trot - it's typical of what happens at the end of the season."