Alex Revell scored on his home debut. Photograph courtesy of Wigan Athletic

Striker Alex Revell’s first goal for Wigan was enough to defeat Shrewsbury and extend their unbeaten run to 11 games.

Latics had plenty of chances to increase their lead during the game but they had a nervous final ten minutes as Shrewsbury pressed for a late leveller.

Gary Caldwell made two changes to the side which won away at Rochdale with Tim Chow and Chris McCann replacing Jason Pearce and Craig Davies.

Latics started briskly and Max Power had the first attempt on goal within the first five minutes when his long-range effort cleared the crossbar.

Michael Jacobs had to leave the pitch on 14 minutes after a heavy challenge by a Shrewsbury defender and Will Grigg was brought on to replace him.

Yanic Wildschut was once again proving to be Latics most dangerous attacker and the Dutchman continued to create chances down the left hand side.

Latics were dominant and might have gone ahead on the half hour mark when Reece James got on the end of Will Grigg’s low cross but unfortunately the wing-back was unable to make a good enough contact and the effort went wide.

But the home team were ahead on 36 minutes, and it was that man Wildschut creating the opportunity for Alex Revell to score.

Wildschut took the ball down the left and cut inside his marker before chipping the ball to the back post for Revell to head powerfully past the Shrewsbury keeper Leutwiler from 12 yards.

Revell led his teammates in a commando style celebration. Crawling along the ground as they had done on a midweek team building exercise.

Almost immediately from the re-start Wildschut produced another mazy run before crossing into the danger zone where Tim Chow made contact but couldn’t quite make the opportunity count.

Latics continued to press at the beginning of the second half, but they were unable to add to their lead.

The visitors were growing in confidence and had an opportunity around the hour mark. Sulley Kaikai’s free-kick from 30 yards beating Jaaskelainen but also the right hand post.

Wildschut was continuing to the a thorn in the Shrews side as he jinked through the defence, and in the 69th minute his powerful effort from the edge of the area just cleared the crossbar.

Donervon Daniels then looked to have doubled Latics lead when he met Reece James’ corner, but his glancing header went just wide of the far post.

Latics should have been well ahead by the time Shrewsbury had another chance. Kaikai forcing an excellent save from Jaaskelainen with his volley from the edge of the area on 71 minutes.

Gary Caldwell replaced Alex Revell with Craig Davies and later Tim Chow with Jason Pearce as Latics sought to regain their momentum.

Latics were soon creating more opportunities with Chris McCann and Craig Davies forcing Leutwiler to make good saves, before in the final minute the Shrews keeper produced his best save of the match to deny Max Power’s goalbound effort by tipping over the crossbar.

Latics move up to fourth in the table and are now only one point behind second place Gillingham. They face fifth place Burton Albion on Tuesday night knowing that another home win could project them into the automatic promotion places.