Spurs come back three times to draw 3-3 at Wigan

LONDON, April 15 (Reuters) - Tottenham Hotspur came from behind three times to draw 3-3 at Wigan Athletic in a breathless Premier League clash today.

Wigan scored in the first minute and again in the 30th and 60th but each time Spurs pegged them back after four, 35 and 68.

The result edged Wigan a further point towards safety. They are now three points above the drop zone but have played a game more than most of their relegation rivals.

Spurs, hoping for a return to the UEFA Cup after being knocked out of this season's competition in the quarter-finals by Sevilla on Thursday, climbed to eighth on 49 points.

Wigan took the lead with a close range header from Emile Heskey but Spurs equalised when Dimitar Berbatov scored his 20th goal in all competitions this season.

The Bulgaria striker fired home with the outside of his right foot after dribbling past two players inside the area.

Wigan regained the lead on the half hour when Leighton Baines ran on to a clearance out to the left edge of the box and curled a left-footed shot into the top far corner past the leaping Paul Robinson.

Spurs equalised for the second time with a controversial penalty converted by Robbie Keane in the 35th minute after Jermaine Jenas stumbled over a diving challenge by goalkeeper John Filan who was booked.

Wigan went ahead again on the hour when Kevin Kilbane headed home a corner and two minutes later Filan dived to save a Jenas free kick that was heading for the top far corner.

However, Spurs came back again when Keane latched on to a clearance from Robinson and lifted a first-time effort from 30 metres over the stranded Filan.

Everton are hosting Charlton Athletic in today's other Premier League game, while Chelsea play Blackburn Rovers at Old Trafford in the second FA Cup semi-final.

REUTERS DH VC2129