Scott Smith’s first ever senior goal was enough to see Wigan Athletic sign off for the international break with a 1-0 victory over Blackpool – and move into the top half of League One.

Wigan-born Smith popped up from right wing-back to finish off a Jordan Jones cross from the left on 26 minutes to dent the Seasiders’ play-off hopes.

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The goal came just after Thelo Aasgaard had headed another left-wing cross from Jones wide of the far post.

Scott Smith gets a pick-me-up rom Stephen Humphrys after his winning goal against Blackpool

placeholder image — Scott Smith gets a pick-me-up rom Stephen Humphrys after his winning goal against Blackpool

At the other end, Sam Tickle saved well from George Byers and substitute Shayne Lavery – on for the injured Jordan Rhodes – as Latics went into the break with a slender advantage.

Blackpool sent on Kyle Joseph – a former Latics Academy team-mate of Smith – in the second half, and he came closest to adding the game’s second goal.

However, he sent two headers narrowly wide as Latics held on to hit the 50-point mark – and pretty much guarantee third-tier safety.