Wigan secured a precious three points in their bid for survival as they overcame Wolves at Molinuex.
Two red cards and penalty miss in action-packed Wigan win
Wigan grabbed a vital win in their bid for survival as they overcame relegation rivals Wolves at Molineux.
Both sides ended the Premier League clash with 10 men but it was the Latics who took the spoils thanks to goals from James McCarthy and Charles N'Zogbia.
Wigan, who also saw Hugo Rodallega miss a first-half penalty, ran out deserved winners to secure their first victory in six matches while Wolves' goal-shy attack must improve if they are to keep hold of their top-flight status.
Saturday's clash saw the division lowest goalscorers play host to the league's worst defence and it was the Latics who prevailed as they claimed a rare clean sheet after conceding 31 goals on their travels this season.
But they were aided by a less-than impressive home attack and it is no surprise, despite the efforts of Kevin Doyle, that Wanderers have scored just 17 goals this term.
Trouble
Jody Craddock, making his 200th appearance for Wolves, almost played Marcus Hahnemann into trouble with an under-hit back pass but the former Reading player was able to clear as Rodallega threatened.
N'Zogbia was allowed to line up a shot after cutting in from the right but Craddock blocked his eventual drive.
Richard Stearman became the first player to be yellow-carded for a touchline challenge on Paul Scharner while Wigan midfielder Hendry Thomas was also booked after a lunge at Stephen Ward.
Wolves looked jittery at the back and a misdirected pass from Kevin Foley allowed N'Zogbia a clear run at goal but Hahnemann parried his shot around the post.
Wigan looked the more threatening and Hahnemann needed two attempts to cling onto a low 30-yard free-kick from Thomas.
But after 18 minutes Sylvan Ebanks-Blake missed a golden chance to score his first league goal in open play.
The former Plymouth player was played onside by Mario Melchiot after latching onto a pass from Nenad Milijas and he found himself with only Chris Kirkland to beat, but, Ebanks-Blake poked his shot wide from 10 yards out.
A long hopeful ball from Wigan debutant Gary Caldwell picked out Rodallega, who got in behind Mancienne, but he failed to make proper contact on his shot and Hahnemann was able to make the block.
Mancienne looked uncertain and failed to deal with a bouncing ball on the edge of the box and allowed Rodallega to send in his low shot which Hahnemann turned around the post.
Hahnemann was beaten by a fierce 25-yard drive from Rodallega, with Scharner the creator, but it cannoned off a post and back into play.
Drama
There was drama in the closing seconds of the half with Stearman being sent off and Hahnemann saving a penalty.
Stearman gave away a spot-kick when he tugged at the shirt of McCarthy and was dismissed for a second bookable offence.
But Hahnemann saved the penalty from Rodallega and then Scharner sent the rebound wide.
Wolves boss Mick McCarthy made a half-time switch with Matt Jarvis replaced by David Jones as he adapted a 4-3-2 formation after Stearman's red card.
The visitors also made a change with Scharner, who picked up a knock in the scramble after Hahnemann's penalty save, making way for Jordi Gomez.
Hahnemann again came to Wolves rescue when he was perfectly positioned to keep out a fierce shot from Rodallega, who had been teed up by N'Zogbia.
Breakthrough
Wigan finally made the breakthrough after 59 minutes through McCarthy's first league goal of the campaign.
N'Zogbia shook off the challenge of Ward and squared the ball back to Rodallega who once again was denied by Hahnemann at close range. But this time the rebound fell to McCarthy who made no mistake from 12 yards.
Wigan were also reduced to 10 men after 66 minutes when Thomas committed his second bookable offence via a foul on Ward.
McCarthy immediately brought on Chris Iwelumo for Ebanks-Blake before Wolves skipper Karl Henry was then booked for a challenge on Gomez and there was worse to come for the hosts as, with 18 minutes left, N'Zogbia doubled Wigan's lead.
The impressive Rodallega shrugged off the challenge of the lightweight Mancienne before the ball broke into the path of N'Zogbia and he cut in from the right before sending a left-footed drive into the corner of the net.
N'Zogbia went to celebrate with the Wigan fans and was yellow-carded for his actions.
Iwelumo had a fierce shot beaten away by Kirkland in a rare attack by Wolves before Doyle was then booked for a challenge on N'Zogbia as Wolves finished well beaten.
| Wolverhampton Wanderers |
Team Statistics |
Wigan Athletic |
| 0 |
Goals |
2 |
| 0 |
1st Half Goals |
0 |
| 2 |
Shots on Target |
9 |
| 7 |
Shots off Target |
6 |
| 5 |
Blocked Shots |
5 |
| 4 |
Corners |
3 |
| 15 |
Fouls |
17 |
| 2 |
Offsides |
3 |
| 3 |
Yellow Cards |
2 |
| 1 |
Red Cards |
1 |
| 71 |
Passing Success |
75.6 |
| 11 |
Tackles |
19 |
| 72.7 |
Tackles Success |
68.4 |
| 51.8 |
Possession |
48.2 |
| 54 |
Territorial Advantage |
46 |
|
