Wigan Athletic were denied victory in Malky Mackay's first game in charge of the club as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Middlesbrough in their Championship clash at the DW Stadium.
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The Latics came within inches of taking the lead as Chris McCann was fouled on the edge of the area. Maloney took the free kick and lifted his effort over the wall, only to see his effort crash of the crossbar and go over.
Maloney did get his goal in the 24th minute when this time his free kick beat the outstretched hand of Dimitrios Konstantopoulos to find the top corner from just outside the area.
The visitors tried to get back into the game when Lee Tomlin pushed into the final third, and he teed up Adam Reach just outside the box, but the midfielder's drive went just wide of the woodwork.
After the break, Middlesbrough came out the better of the two sides but struggled to carve out any clear-cut chances despite their dominance in possession.
Aitor Karanka's side found their equaliser in the 58th minute through substitute Patrick Bamford, who slotted the ball home from close range after latching on to Kike's through-ball.
Wigan almost retook the lead immediately when Maloney's corner found Leon Barnett in the box, but his first-time shot hit the post and was cleared by the visitors before a blue and white shirt could react.
The visitors came close as they hit the Latics on the counter-attack and George Friend raided downfield before picking out Bamford in the middle, but the striker poked his effort wide of the post.
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