Bradford's kicker Paul Deacon stroked a last-gasp penalty to hand the Bulls a thrilling comeback victory over Wigan.

Bradford's 21-game unbeaten home record was under threat when the Warriors raced to a 12-0 lead after 22 minutes and were 20-10 up at the interval.

But the Challenge Cup holders were in the process of compiling 20 unanswered points to haul themselves back against the champions.

Eventually the scores were locked on 26-26 as Wigan captain Andy Farrell missed a chance to edge his side back in front with seven minutes left.

But Bradford were awarded a penalty for crossing by Wigan in the fourth minute of injury time and Deakin landed the 55-metre kick on the hooter.

Bradford scored five tries through Michael Withers (2), Nathan McAvoy, Tevita Vaikona, and Scott Naylor, while Deacon kicked four goals.

For Wigan, skipper Andy Farrell stroked five goals as Adrian Lam, Brett Dallas, Terry Newton and Stephen Wild crossed for tries.

Wigan came out fired up but lost second row forward Simon Haughton early on when he sustained a head injury in pulling off a try-saving tackle on Bulls skipper Robbie Paul.

Substitute Sean O'Loughlin was introduced and he quickly made an impression, putting Wild through a gap 60 metres out for the opening try.

Wigan crossed again when scrum-half Lam fed centre Paul Johnson before taking a return pass to touch down for the Warriors' second try.