Wigan Athletic 2 Wolverhampton Wanderers 0

Last updated : 04 January 2005 By Footymad Previewer
Two first-half goals from striker Nathan Ellington made Wigan's pre-Christmas wobble seem a distant memory as Paul Jewell's outfit cemented second spot in the race for the Premiership.

Ellington struck for his 16th and 17th goals of the season as Wigan easily overcame a poor Wolves outfit that has yet to win a match under manager Glenn Hoddle.

A superb first-half display saw the Latics take the lead after just 16 minutes when Ellington rose to power home a header from Jimmy Bullard's corner.

The same player struck again eight minutes later when he converted from the penalty spot after Lee McCulloch had been flattened while going for another Bullard corner.

Wolves, who had recorded five successive 1-1 draws in their last five matches under former England manager Hoddle were seldom in the picture but might have drawn level after Ellington's opener when Kenny Miller fired into the arms of Wigan keeper John Filan following Mark Kennedy's cross.

But the visitors' chances were few and far between as Wigan controlled proceedings to move two points behind league leaders Ipswich with an impressive display on a gluepot of a pitch.

They might have added further goals but Ellington, Jason Roberts and David Graham all saw efforts saved by keeper Michael Oakes, while substitute Michael Flynn headed wide with the goal gaping.