Report by John Patrick Heeley

Wigan Athletic maintained their impressive start to the Championship season with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Rotherham United at the DW Stadium.

Substitute James Vaughan proved the match-winner, coming off the bench to score the decisive goal in the 73rd minute and secure all three points for Paul Cook's side.

Latics dominated much of the contest from the opening whistle, controlling possession and creating the better chances.

Antonee Robinson was a constant threat down the left flank, while set-piece deliveries from Lee Evans repeatedly tested the Rotherham defence

Chey Dunkley, Callum Connolly and Will Grigg all came close during a one-sided first half, but the visitors held firm thanks to a disciplined defence and the goalkeeping of Marek Rodak.

Rotherham, newly promoted to the Championship, struggled to establish themselves as an attacking force but remained competitive through determination and organisation.

Michael Smith offered their main threat and forced Christian Walton into action shortly before the break, ensuring the scores remained level at half-time.

The visitors improved after the restart, winning more second balls and pushing Wigan deeper.

However, Cook's double substitution on the hour mark changed the course of the game. James Vaughan and Callum McManaman were introduced and immediately added energy to the home attack.

The breakthrough arrived with 17 minutes remaining. A move involving the substitutes ended with Vaughan finding space in the penalty area and firing home the only goal of the match, sparking celebrations among the Wigan faithful.

The goal ultimately settled a contest in which clear-cut opportunities had been at a premium.

Rotherham pressed for an equaliser in the closing stages and won several set-pieces, but Wigan defended resolutely to preserve their clean sheet.

The final whistle confirmed a narrow yet deserved victory for Wigan, who had edged the game through their greater attacking intent and control of possession.