REPORT: Wigan Athletic 1 Wimbledon 0

Despite the disappointment of losing Glen Rea - making his first league start - in the early stages, Latics grew into the game.

Stephen Humphrys flicked the ball against the bar from close range, before Will Keane opened the scoring on 21 minutes.

Tom Bayliss - on for Rea - tried his luck from 25 yards and, although the ball was parried out by Wimbledon goalkeeper Nikola Tzanev, Keane slotted home from close range.

Joe Bennett saw a free-kick tipped over the top as Latics looked for a second goal.

But the second half was a different story as the visitors shwoed themselves as an attacking force.

It needed a good save from Ben Amos to deny Luke McCormick, before Gwion Edwards saw a shot turned round the post at the other end.

A well-worked Max Power corner found Bayliss, whose shot hit a team-mate on the way over.

But Latics were forced to play the last 10 minutes with 10 men when - after having made all three substitutes - Power had to be helped off with a right arm problem.

Latics remain three points clear of third-placed MK Dons – who they face next weekend – although they also have two games in hand over them.