Wigan Athletic safely through in the Jersey Mike's Trophy after beating Crewe Alexandra

Wigan Athletic are through to the knockout stage of the Jersey Mike's Trophy with a 100 per cent record after a hard-fought 2-1 victory at Crewe Alexandra.

After successive 3-2 victories over Aston Villa Under-21s and Blackpool, this time Latics won by the odd goal in three at Gresty Road to finish top of their group.

The visitors had started well, with a lovely defence-splitting ball in from James Carragher finding Akeel Higgins, whose shot was well blocked.

Latics thought they were in front when a deep free-kick from Fraser Murray was headed back across by Reece Greenhalgh, and Sonny Perkins nodded it over the line - only to turn to see the offside flag up.

At the other end, Crewe came agonisingly close to the opening goal just before half-time, when a superb strike from distance from Calum Agius beat Joe Walsh, but came back off the bar.

Walsh made a brilliant save to deny Fin Roberts at the beginning of the second half.

But the respite was temporary as the ball came back in, was flicked back across goal, and Tom Graves slotted home from close range.

Latics' attempts at a response were thwarted when Murray fired high and wide after good work down the left from Miller, who then fired against a post.

After substitute Jon Mellish was denied by a good save, the equaliser finally came on the hour mark when Jeremiah Chilokoa-Mullen headed home from Murray's left-wing corner!

Great stuff again from Miller down the left led to substitute Chris Sze's shot being blocked by a desperate defender.

Crewe briefly threatened only for Joe Walsh to race off his line to snuff out the danger.

And Latics took full advantage with seven minutes to go as Harrison Rimmer slotted home at the far post.