The Bluebirds' emphatic victory over Rovers at Ninian Park in Saturday's late kick-off drew them level with The Latics on points but there inferior goal difference keeps them second.
After getting off the mark with an own goal, Robert Earnshaw then dispatched a penalty before Peter Thorne and Rhys Weston got on the scoresheet to seal Cardiff's comprehensive victory.
They failed, however, to go to the top of the table as a result of Wigan leaving it late to grab a point against Luton Town.
The Hatters took the lead mid-way through the first half with a goal from Aaron Skelton but Canadian international Jason de Vos scored a late equaliser with two minutes to go to earn The Latics a point. Matt Jackson was sent off with five minutes to go for the JJB Stadium club.
Bristol City continued their fine run with a 3-1 away victory at Barry Fry's Peterborough United.
Midfielder Brian Tinnion put The Robins in front after three minutes before Aaron Brown made it two just a quarter of an hour later.
Andy Clarke replied for Posh two minutes before half-time but Scott Murray scored a third for the visitors as Danny Wilson's side took three more points at London Road.
Oldham Athletic stay third after a come-from-behind 2-1 victory over QPR at Loftus Road.
Matthew Rose put the home side in front after two minutes but goals by Josh Low and Lee Duxbury in the first half sealed the points for Iain Dowie's side.
Crewe Alexandra got two goals from Robert Hulse to earn a 2-1 away victory at Port Vale.
Hulse gave The Alex the lead just after half an hour before Brett Angell equalised for The Valiants in the second half but Hulse was able to find the mark again to give Dario Gradi's side the win.
Blackpool got two goals from Scott Taylor and one from John Murphy to earn a 3-1 win at Plymouth Argyle. Marino Keith scored for the only goal for The Pilgrims.
Brentford got a good victory away from home with an entertaining 3-2 victory at Stockport County.
Two goals by Mark McCammon and one by Scott Marshall cancelled out County's markers by Luke Beckett and player-manager Carlton Palmer.
Chesterfield played out a 0-0 draw at home to Notts County, who had Ian Richardson sent off in the second half.
Wycombe Wanderers came from behind to get a 1-1 draw at struggling Barnsley.
Rory Fallon put The Tykes in front in the first half before Keith Ryan equalised a minute before half-time.
Cheltenham Town came from behind to earn an important 2-1 victory at Northampton Town, despite going behind to a Jamie Forrester goal.
However, goals by Julian Alsop and Richard Forsyth gave The Robins three important points at the bottom of the table.
A last-minute equaliser from Jon Stead earned Huddersfield Town a 1-1 draw against Colchester United. Kevin Rapley scored for The U's.
Struggling Swindon Town overcame an early Liam Lawrence goal after two minutes to beat fellow strugglers Mansfield Town 2-1 at the County Ground.
Sam Parkin and Eric Sabin scored the goals for Andy King's side.
Cardiff City could close the gap at the top when they entertain Tranmere Rovers at Ninian Park in the late Saturday match in Division Two.
