Wigan Athletic 1 Newcastle 0
Paul Jewell celebrated becoming Wigan's longest-serving league manager with one of the most crucial wins of his reign. Jewell took charge of the club for his 250th league game, exceeding Bryan Hamilton's previous total over two spells.
And it was a day to remember in his bid to keep the club's Premiership status intact. With things getting tight and desperate at the bottom, the Latics needed this victory to maintain distance between themselves and third-bottom Charlton.
And Jewell's side did so by using those same ingredients that have typified his 6½ seasons in charge.
The Times
Taylor earms a pat on the back
Sidelined for most of the past year, initially with a fractured metatarsal and then a broken leg, Taylor's goal was his first since October 2005 and leaves Wigan six points clear of the drop zone. "I'm really pleased for Ryan, he's worked exceptionally hard to get back to fitness," Jewell said. "It was a scrappy game, John Filan kept us in it with an outstanding penalty save, but I felt our fighting spirit and determination was terrific.
"I didn't have a good view of it [the penalty]. One or two people said it wasn't a penalty, but it was given and luckily John pulled off a great save."
The IndependentWigan clear of drop zone
Paul Jewell celebrated his 250th league game as Wigan manager with a vital victory over Newcastle United, only the club's second win in 14 games, which restored their six-point advantage over third-bottom Charlton.
For their six cautions, however, Wigan face an FA fine for failing to control their players. Fortunately for Jewell and his attempts to stave off relegation, Newcastle were unable to keep the hosts in check.
"We've now got two players suspended for the Fulham game and it takes the shine off things a little," reflected Jewell.
Referee Alan Wiley has now booked 20 Wigan players in his last four games in charge of them, and Jewell added: "They were two honest teams and to have eight bookings overall I thought was harsh, it's crazy."
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