Andy Liddell got the other as Latics quickly bounced back from last Saturday's defeat against Swindon which brought a 21-game unbeaten run to an end.
Ellington, who has now scored 18 games in all competitions this term, said: "I'm happy we got the win and that I'm on a roll again.
"It's good to be back on the scoresheet again – I don't know how long it's been since my last one.
"For my goal I found myself one on one with their keeper and saw him plant his feet down.
"I knew he wasn't going to be able to turn round so I feigned to shoot, went round him and tucked it in.
"Lids then went and copied me a few minutes later, also taking it round the keeper, so it was a good night.
"In the second half we had to work hard because Mansfield are a good side going forward, but we held the lead to get the win."
Ellington struck in the 39th minute with Liddell increasing the lead four minutes later.
The hosts pulled one back through Iyseden Christie just after half-time but Latics held firm without too many scares to take their points tally to 68 points from 29 games.
Manager Paul Jewell gave his players a big pat on the back for their display in difficult conditions – a gale howling across the pitch failed to knock them out of their stride.
He said: "It was an important victory after the defeat on Saturday and from the way we started you could see we were up for it.
"I thought we played excellently in the first-half in very difficult conditions for both sides.
"The only thing that disappointed me in the first half was that we had so many opportunities but didn't make their keeper work hard enough.
"But then we scored terrific goals, especially the second which came from a great move.
"I had told the lads in the hotel beforehand that if we go on to get promotion, this is the sort of game you look back on when you're on the beach in May or June. It was a terrible night, blowing a gale, but we went and got three points."
Even with such a healthy lead at the summit of the table, Jewell is looking to further strengthen his squad.
Peterborough boss Barry Fry has confirmed Latics are interested in his talented young midfielder Jimmy Bullard.
Posh rate the former West Ham apprentice at £500,000 and other clubs are eyeing up the 21-year-old too.
Preston North End had a bid rejected last week with Posh determined to get the full asking price.
Fry said: "All I can confirm is that Wigan are interested in Bullard, along with other clubs."
Latics have been prudent in the transfer market this season after a heavy outlay last term.
Since the summer, they have spent a total of just £165,000 on Ian Breckin and Mike Flynn, while Nicky Eaden and Dave Beasant have come on frees.
Article from the Wigan Evening Post.