Latics captain Sam Morsy

Wigan Athletic moved up to seventh place in the Championship table after a hard-fought 2-1 victory against Hull City at the DW Stadium.

Latics received good news before kick off when captain Sam Morsy’s red card at Brentford was rescinded after an appeal and it was Morsy who gave Latics the lead on 21 minutes with a superb low drive from 25 yards into the bottom corner of the net.

Josh Windass increased the lead on 38 minutes with a diving header from Lee Evans cross but the Tigers pulled one back on 43 minutes through Jarrod Bowen after some sloppy Latics defending.

The second half was keenly contested with both teams creating good goalscoring opportunities but neither side was able to add to their tally and Latics were able to secure the three points.

Paul Cook made two changes from Saturday’s defeat to Brentford, with Will Grigg and Michael Jacobs returning to the starting 11 in place of James Vaughan and Callum Connolly.

The Tigers opened strongly and were the better team in the opening exchanges with former Latics striker Nouha Dicko creating an opportunity after dispossessing Cedric Kipre but Chey Dunkley was able to make a vital interception.

Soon afterwards Dicko threatened again when Evans was caught in possession by Kevin Stewart but he fired high over the crossbar.

Latics gradually gained a foothold in the game with Antonee Robinson and Reece James getting forward to good effect.

Will Grigg nearly got on the end of a fine cross by James and soon afterwards Morsy produced a piece of magic firing magnificently home from 25 yards to give Latics the advantage.

Michael Jacobs nearly added to the lead a few minutes later when he forced David Marshall into a full length save from the edge of the area.

However it was not long before Latics increased their lead when Evans crossed to the back post and Windass dived to head his first goal for the club.

It looked as though Latics would cruise to half time well in control but just before the interval Bowen was allowed free rein to walk through the statuesque Latics’ defence and slide the ball past Christian Walton for the visitors.

The Tigers once again started well at the beginning of the second half and Dicko was allowed plenty of room in the box but wasted a great opportunity firing straight at Walton.

Latics responded with Nick Powell forcing a good save from Marshall before Windass blazed over from the rebound.

Both Robinson and Jacobs had opportunities to increase Latics’ lead but Marshall saved well on both occasions to deny them.

Latics looked fatigued towards the end of the game but despite five minutes of added time they held out for their fourth win in eight games and moved up to seventh in the Championship table.

It is still early days but Latics have made a strong start to the campaign exceeding many peoples’ expectations and if they can continue their good form they certainly look capable of a top half finish.