Wigan duo strike again

Wigan's attacking duo of Nathan Ellington and Jason Roberts had too much for Millwall as they each netted in a 2-0 success.

Ellington scored for the sixth successive game when he dispatched a second half penalty before Roberts lit up a dour contest with an excellent second.

Talk in Wigan this week has centred on a heated dispute with the region's police service and in a dire first period, there was precious little to divert the attention of those inside The JJB Stadium.

Wigan started brightly with new signing Graham Kavanagh keen to dominate possession but the Premiership seekers would find opportunities difficult to conjure.

With Millwall defending deep chances were at premium and indeed, it was Dennis Wise's outfit that will feel aggrieved at not being awarded a penalty when Ian Breckin appeared to handle Barry Hayles' snapshot.

Neither goalkeeper was forced into a save of note, with the best effort of a sterile first half seeing the normally prolific Ellington drill a shot into the midriff of a Millwall defender after being well fed by Roberts.

The second period fared little better but it was Wigan's superior ability in the final third that ensured maximum spoils were taken.

Neat wide play from Gary Teale enticed Millwall's Paul Robinson into conceding a soft penalty on 57 - which Ellington duly dispatched with customary aplomb.

The same player saw a goal rubbed off for a foul committed in the Millwall box before Roberts edged Wigan a step nearer The Premiership.

A long Wigan punt found Ellington and after he rose the highest, his flick found Roberts and the burly hit-man was able to fend off two challenges before scooping home an excellent clipped finish.

Millwall failed to test John Filan throughout what was a contest devoid of any real quality, in a performance that will do little to improve the mood of an under pressure Wise.