Norwich City, Carrow Road

Latics strengthened their hopes of a great escape from relegation with a hard-fought 1-0 victory at promotion chasing Norwich City.

An eighth minute volley from Kim BO-kyung was enough for Latics to secure a surprise three points and prevent the Canaries from moving into the automatic promotion places.

Norwich dominated possession but were unable to overcome a well-drilled and determined Latics defence.

Malky Mackay made one change from the team which won away at Blackpool at the weekend with Leon Clarke replacing Sheyi Ojo.

The Latics lined up with a 442 formation with James McClean and Jermaine Pennant offering plenty of width to get forward and support the central strikers Marc-Antoine Fortune and Leon Clarke.

Graham Dorrans fired the first shot for Norwich on six minutes when he fired wide after Wigan had been pushed back into their own penalty area.

But Wigan were ahead on eight minutes when Kim volleyed into the roof of Ruddy’s net from the edge of the six-yard box, following good work between Clarke and McClean at a throw-in.

Norwich surged forward in an attempt to grab a quick reply but they rarely managed to trouble Latics keeper Scott Carson.

The Canaries finally created a chance in stoppage time at the end of the first period, but the unmarked Cameron Jerome miscued his attempted header from 12 yards out.

The home team started the second half on the front foot and pressing Latics in the final third, but they were still unable to test Carson.

Latics always looked dangerous on the break and on 70 minutes they nearly doubled their lead when a poor back pass to Ruddy was chased down by Fortune but the striker was unable to get a toe to the ball.

Norwich continued to dominate possession but Latics maintained a resolute rearguard action.

The Wigan players were showing tremendous spirit and determination, with Kim and Emmerson Boyce probably the stand out performances, in what was an excellent team effort.

When Jerome finally turned the Latics defence in the 90th minute, the travelling fans hearts were in their mouths, but fortunately the striker blazed high and wide and Latics held on for what could prove to be a crucial victory.

The result means that Wigan have clawed back the points deficit to fourth bottom Rotherham to six points. A win on Saturday at home to Leeds United would set up what may prove to be a relegation decider at Rotherham on 14th March.