Bent refuses to allow mistake to haunt his performances.

Wigan Athletic 1

Tottenham Hotspur 1

MARCUS BENT is refusing to beat himself up on this occasion after spurning a chance that would virtually have guaranteed Wigan survival in the Premier League.

With the match poised at 1-1, Bent was left with just Radek Cerny to beat after Wilson Palacios had delightfully split the Tottenham defence with an incisive through ball.

But the 29-year-old opted for power over finesse and from 10 yards crashed his shot against the crossbar at the JJB Stadium.

Now, instead of Wigan requiring a draw from Saturday's relegation showdown at home to Reading to ensure a fourth consecutive season in the top flight, they need a win.

"I know I should have scored, but you win some, you lose some," said a philosophical Bent.

At least Wigan's fate is in their hands and they know exactly what they have to do against the Royals, although Bent is already aware of the attention that is likely to build ahead of that game.

The fact the last of his seven goals for Wigan since signing on a season-long loan from Charlton at the end of August was now four months ago you would feel would cause him more pain.

But maintaining his philosophical outlook, he added: "I'm still top scorer.

"I'm just going to go out there, try my hardest and give it all I've got."

Heskey scored his second equaliser in six days to give the Latics another crucial point, swiftly cancelling out Dimitar Berbatov's sixthminute opener.

It was his 23rd goal of the season, but Spurs' display mirrored that of the Bulgarian because they and he started brightly, but faded as the game wore on.

CAPTION(S):

Tom Huddlestone and Wilson Palacios clash