Wigan extend unbeaten run with victory at Rochdale

Wigan extended their unbeaten Sky Bet League 1 run to 10 games with a 2-0 victory against Rochdale at Spotland.

Jason Pearce opened the scoring after 16 minutes, before Michael Jacobs doubled Latics' lead just after the hour mark.

Wigan looked lively going forward as Donervon Daniels tested goalkeeper Josh Lillis with an early effort from outside the box.

The visitors took the lead when Pearce headed home Jacobs' free-kick in the 16th minute, while Jacobs himself went close just minutes later, rifling a powerful strike wide of the post.

Rochdale rarely threatened during the first half, with Michael Rose's free-kick after 29 minutes which was collected easily by Jussi Jaaskelainen proving to be their best opportunity.

Early in the second half, the hosts had a chance to grab an equaliser when Rose's cross was spilled by Jaaskelainen into the path of Joe Bunney but the striker shot over the crossbar from close range.

Wigan doubled their advantage when Jacobs' vicious strike smashed the underside of the bar and into the net in the 61st minute.

Calvin Andrew's 74th-minute effort from close range was kept out by Jaaskelainen, while Bunney's drive three minutes later was also saved by the Latics shot-stopper.

Dave Perkins had a powerful effort from distance for the visitors in injury time but the midfielder's effort was superbly tipped away by Lillis.