Latics lash Brighton at JJB

Wigan maintained their place at the top of the table as they defeated Brighton 3-0 at home.

Wigan maintained their place at the top of the Championship table as they defeated Brighton 3-0 at home.

The Latics have started the season in fine form and their powerful forward line proved too much for the rock-bottom Seagulls.

The home fans at The JJB Stadium had to wait until injury time in the first half to see their side break the deadlock after a fairly even opening 45 minutes.

Nathan Ellington notched his first of the afternoon after good work from his forward partner Jason Roberts had laid on the chance.

The lead was soon doubled after the break as once again Ellington took the plaudits with a 25-yard curler that left Brighton keeper Michael Kuipers with no chance.

The visitors - who had Leon Knight in their line-up for the first time this season - tried to fight back in the contest and substitute Albert Jarrett nearly got his name on the scoresheet but his drive ended up whistling just past the upright.

Just as Brighton appeared to be getting a hold on the game their chances of rescuing something disappeared. Summer recruit Per Frandsen made it 3-0 with a stunning long range drive.

The former Bolton star let rip with his left foot from outside the box after taking a short corner from Jimmy Bullard to confirm the hosts would be taking the three points needed to keep them at the top of the pile.

The margin of victory could have been even more emphatic had Kuipers not denied substitute David Graham a fourth goal near the death.