Hull were left aggrieved by some of referee Martin Atkinson's decisions but their performance should give manager Phil Brown optimism that they can avoid relegation.
The Latics defence played to the linesman's flag, not referee Phil Dowd's whistle, when Vladimir Stojkovic failed to deal with a hopeful ball into the area and Atkinson, who has spent most of this season on loan at League Two side Rochdale, ran from an onside position to head home Kilbane's cross.