A goal five minutes from the end of a pulsating Lancashire derby brought Blackpool a share of the spoils at the home of the second division leaders.
Substitute Scott Taylor rifled home an angled drive to drag Blackpool deservedly level in a cracking match that had the crowd in raptures right from the first minute.
It took the home side less than 60 seconds to storm in front when Andy Liddell pounced for his 13th goal of the season after a shot from Nicky Eaden had been deflected into his path.
The Latics then proceeded to squander chance after chance to make the game safe with record signing Nathan Ellington the chief culprit.
The Duke might easily have helped himself to a first half hat-trick while Blackpool keeper Phil Barnes also made a magnificent save to deny the lively Lee McCulloch.
But the visitors rode their luck and came on strong after the break to put the home defence under some fierce pressure.
Keeper John Filan produced a super save to deny Richard Walker straight after the restart and then a free kick from Ben Thornley was inches over the bar, before John Murphy squandered the Seasiders' best chance when he failed to connect from Martin Bullock's cross.
But Blackpool's endeavours paid off when substitute Taylor lashed home an angled drive to keep their play-off hopes alive.
Wigan boss Paul Jewell acknowledged that his side's failure to take their chances finally cost them dear, commenting: "We should have won the game by half time but the chances wouldn't go in.
"I can't fault the players for effort and the only thing that's disappointed me today is the result.
"We are still in a healthy position and I can think of 23 other clubs in this Division that would swap us places."Blackpool boss Steve McMahon was understandably delighted with his side's second-half display after a half-time rocket brought them out of their shells.
McMahon said: "I shouldn't have to go into the dressing room and read the riot act but that's my job and I will do it when I have to.
"I was very impressed with our second half performance and we showed just what a good team we are."
Player Ratings
John Filan 7
Nicky Eaden 6
Peter Kennedy 8
Jason De Vos 7
Matt Jackson 7
Lee McCulloch 7
Gary Teale 8
Tony Dinning 6
Jimmy Bullard 7
Nathan Ellington 6
Andy Liddell 7
Man of the Match
Peter Kennedy