Wigan Athletic boss hails 'two different sides' that saw off Carlisle

Latics arrested a three-game losing streak in style with a comfortable win over the Cumbrians, to move six points clear of the relegation zone.

First-half goals from Josh Magennis (penalty) and Liam Morrison - who also hit the post before the break - underlined the gulf in quality between the two sides, with Latics also having three other seemingly decent spot-kick shouts turned down.

And Latics also showed their mettle by digging deep in the second period to keep the visitors - roared on by more than 4,000 supporters - at bay.

"I loved how we played in the first half, I really, really did," enthused Maloney. "The players were very brave, and then we had to show a different side in the second half.

"We had to dig in, Carlisle went super aggressive in terms of trying to keep the ball off us, and we had to show another way of playing.

"Tonight was such an important game for us. We were obviously desperate to win the game, but I was also wanting to see a performance that showed we were really wanting to play.

"We wanted to play our way out from the back, and play at the other end of the field. And I thought the first half was everything we wanted, 2-0 at half-time was more than a fair scoreline."

Maloney had been able to name Thelo Aasgaard in the starting XI for the first time in two months, while Martial Godo was also passed fit to make the bench after a month out.

"That certainly makes a difference...a difference within training, and within the team," added the Latics boss. "Players have to play very well to keep their position, which is what you want.

"Some of the returns have been accelerated...Thelo has only had one full training session, which was yesterday, the same with Martial.

"But with the position we're in, we've had to accelerate them a little bit, and it's been great to see them back in the group.

"Jason Kerr is back on the grass too, and it will be a huge boost to have him with us again.

Aiming to halt a run of three defeats in a row, Latics came flying out of the traps and hit the post inside two minutes.

Jonny Smith's deep corner was headed back in by Charlie Hughes and flicked goalwards by Morrison, only for the ball to strike the woodwork.

Latics were ahead inside 16 minutes, however, when Stephen Humphrys' was tripped in the area and Magennis converted the spot-kick.

And it was no surprise when Latics doubled their advantage on 36 minutes, when another Smith corner was flicked on by Hughes for Morrison to flick the ball home from close range.

Latics were given a warning shortly after the restart when Sam Tickle had to act smartly to flick over a Ryan Edmondson effort.

After Jordan Jones replaced Humphrys, Carlisle threatened again when Robinson's free-kick was steered wide by Jack Armer.

And Carlisle probably knew it wasn't going to be their night when another Robinson set-piece was somehow headed wide by former Wigan striker Joe Garner.