Michael Jacobs' first-half strike proved to be the difference as Wigan edged out Rochdale in a hard-fought Sky Bet League One clash at the DW Stadium.
Wigan started on the front foot and moved in from with their first real sight at goal in a match with provided little quality.
Captain Jacobs found the ball at his feet on the edge of the penalty area and his left-foot shot found into the bottom corner to put the hosts ahead.
James Vaughan should have done better with a header from close range shortly after, before Dale goalkeeper Josh Lillis was forced into a great save to deny Jamie Walker, who drilled in a powerful effort after cutting in from the left wing.
Wigan were given a warning with eight minutes before the break when Dale skipper Ian Henderson's effort flew inches wide of Christian Walton's goal.
Wigan spurned a fantastic chance to double their lead when Walker rounded Lillis but he could not get his effort on target after drifting too far around the goalkeeper.
Chances were few and far between in the second half with Wigan coming the closest to finding the net once through Max Power's late free-kick, but his strike rattled the crossbar.