'Perfect birthday present' for Wigan Athletic boss, admits Leon Balogun

It was an eventful 53rd birthday for Cook, who watched the game from gantry due to a one-game touchline ban imposed 24 hours earlier.

But he watched from high up as Shaun Hutchinson put through his own goal on 57 minutes to give Latics the spoils.

And with relegation rivals Barnsley, Stoke and Charlton all winning, it was very much a necessary three points.

"It was the perfect birthday present for him, especially if you look at the other results in the division," acknowledged on-loan Brighton defender Balogun, who was making his full home debut after starting for the first time at Cardiff last weekend.

"You see how massive the win was for us, and I guess he has extra reason to smile!

"Maybe not for too long, because I mention the other results, and we have another big game on Wednesday at Reading."