Shaun Maloney gave Wigan the lead from the spot as early as the fifth minute of the match at the DW Stadium, after referee Martin Atkinson deemed Stoke defender Robert Huth to have handled the ball inside the area.

Stoke equalised through a penalty of their own, given for handball against Maynor Figueroa.

And although they fell behind again to a Franco Di Santo strike, Peter Crouch headed home on 76 minute to see the visitors claim a point.

"I thought it was a soft penalty - Martin (Atkinson) is saying that he (Huth) has stuck his hand out, but he's actually tried to take his hand away from the ball as quick as he can," Stoke manager Pulis said.

"It was so close - you would have to be superman to move it away from that close.

"That was disappointing, but we bounced back, and then in the second half, the goal after a few minutes was a poor one to concede.

"But our attitude and character was fabulous.

"I thought we had the better clear-cut chances and the save from the goalkeeper was a fantastic save, unbelievable," he said, referring to a dynamic stop from Wigan's Ali Al Habsi.

Wigan manager Roberto Martinez was proud of his team's performance, and acknowledged the importance of Al Habsi's role.

"We started really brightly and got the goal we deserved, but then you are looking at the manner in which the game opened up and it could have gone either way," he said.

"Ali had to show a tremendous level and we had our chances - I take it as a point gained.

"I think the best compliment you can say (regarding Al Habsi's late save) is that we are not surprised any more.

"Ali keeps producing this level. Since he arrived at the DW Stadium he has become a bit of a hero and that is why - because when you really need him, he is always there."