REPORT: Wigan Athletic 2 Oxford United 0: Humphrys and Lang fire Latics to victory over high-flying U's

Oxford had the first attempt on goal, although Sam Tickle made light work of collecting Marcus McGuane's strike from distance.

At the other end, a surging run from Jordan Jones through the middle of the park got the crowd on the edge of their seats, before he was halted by a crunching challenge.

Tickle made another decent save to turn away a shot from Stan Mills, which was creeping in at the near post, before Latics took the lead on 18 minutes.

Thelo Aasgaard supplied the through ball for Stephen Humphrys, who switched the ball on to his left foot to keep the defender at bay, before firing home through the goalkeeper.

Credit Oxford for their response, and they almost levelled straight away.

After a fine move, the ball was played in to Tyler Goodrham, who looked a likely scorer, only for Jones to come out of nowhere with the phenomenal block.

Oxford continued to test Tickle from distance, but he was able to deny Stan Mills and Ruben Rodriguez either side of half-time.

A nice move from Latics involving Baba Adeeko, Aasgaard, Liam Shaw and Humphrys led to Jones crossing towards Aasgaard, whose header was straight at James Beadle.

The Oxford goalkeeper produced a fabulous save moments later to prevent Godo making it 2-0 from close range.

Humphrys' resulting corner was headed over the top by Charlie Hughes.

McGuane tried again to beat Tickle from distance, the goalkeeper again proving up to it, as Latics continued to keep the visitors at arm's length.

Great stuff from Latics saw substitute Tom Pearce - on for Humphrys - feed Godo, who controlled well before seeing his shot blocked by Ciaron Brown.

Callum Lang took over from Aasgaard deep into the final quarter, and he popped up with the all-important second goal with eight minutes remaining.

After placing the ball down for a free-kick some 20 yards from goal, the vice captain curled a brilliant set-piece over the wall and into the back of the net.

Latics finished well and almost added a third in stoppage-time, with Stones seeing a thunderous drive and then - from the corner - a powerful header tipped over by Beadle.