Wigan Athletic 0 Middlesbrough 1

Last updated : 04 October 2008 By Footymad Previewer
Jeremie Aliadiere hit the smash-and-grab winner at the JJB Stadium two minutes from time to end Boro's dismal run of four straight defeats.

Stewart Downing set it up, flicking a header into his path, and Aliadiere steered it safely past Chris Kirkland as the Latics keeper came off his line.

It had looked as though Wigan were set to stretch their unbeaten run to seven games with Boro keeper Ross Turnbull in top form.

Six-goal Amr Zaki went close in the first half but Turnbull just got a hand to it. Then, ten minutes from time, the impressive Boro keeper did it again, smothering a shot from sub Jason Koumas before Wigan were sunk by that late strike.

Wigan made one change with defender Emmerson Boyce a late withdrawal because of a neck injury. Paul Scharner was restored to the starting line-up with fit-again Ryan Taylor filling the vacancy on the bench,

Middlesbrough were missing Robert Huth and Andrew Taylor so Jonathan Grounds - recalled from loan at Norwich - and Chris Riggott were drafted in.

The first chance went Wigan's way but Wilson Palacios fired across the face of goal from Emile Heskey's flick-on.

Boro had another close shave from an Antonio Valencia free-kick to the back post. It was touched on by Scharner but Zaki had to stretch to reach it and hit the side-netting.

At the other end, Mido put a header over the bar from Downing's cross but Wigan's confidence was illustrated when Valencia let fly from 30 yards and Zaki cracked in a long-range free-kick.

The Latics survived an anxious moment when Lee Cattermole - facing his old club - gave away a free-kick just outside the box but Downing failed to hit the target.

Zaki hit another wide and Heskey was foiled by an offside flag as Wigan kept up the pressure.

But Boro threatened when Mido hammered in a deep cross and the unmarked David Wheater put the header over the bar.

The Heskey-Zaki partnership almost broke the deadlock, the England striker - being watched by Fabio Capello - set up the Egypt star and his goalbound shot was turned past the post by Turnbull.

Wigan had a great chance early in the second half when Valencia's shot was blocked and the ball rebounded to Palacios, but the Honduran could not come up with the finish to test Turnbull.

French midfielder Didier Digard came off the bench and almost made an instant impact chasing a blocked shot from Aliadiere and forcing Kirkland into action at his left post.

Downing hammered one over the bar but Turnbull was in commanding form, twice denying Palacios and then saving from Koumas.

With time running out, Boro had a penalty appeal for handball against Scharner turned down but Aliadiere had the last word.