This really was a game of two halves, Wigan breezing past a struggling Manchester City team in the first half and at times in the second half, having to defend for their lives.

Caleb Folan was the difference though, calmly heading the ball into the City goal after a flick on from Emile Heskey left the striker wide open and unmarked.

That is the second time he has scored against them this season, the first being in the Chesterfield Carling Cup win against them back in September.

The game opened up at a terrific pace and Wigan completely caught Stuart Pearce's men off guard, even before Folan's goal, McCulloch should have sent the Latic’s 1 up but his shot bounced high and over from close range.

Valencia was fouled inside the box by Michael Ball, but referee Howard Webb decided it was a free kick outside the box instead of a penalty.

The only real chance of the half for City came from a Joey Barton corner which Emmerson Boyce cleared.

The second half saw Mpenza replace Samaras and a bit more life was then shown by the Blues.

But for all of their attacks in the second half only 3 of them were on target with Filan saving from Beasley and Mpenza.

Wigan should, through Landzaat or McCulloch, have effectively wrapped the match up when Kilbane pulled off a fine save from Nicky Weaver, but neither Denny nor Lee could convert the rebound.

The match finished 1-0 to the Latics and Caleb Folan could already have repaid the £500,000 he cost in January.

Wigan are now 8 points ahead of Charlton in the final relegation place and now only a point behind Fulham and Aston Villa, making their next home game against the Cottagers a massive game for both teams.