Wigan 0-1 Sheffield Wednesday
The Owls posted a deserved victory at ten-man Wigan, with Atdhe Nuhiu’s second half header proving the only goal at The DW Stadium.
The travelling triumph lifted Wednesday back into the top ten and made for successive wins following the Boxing Day success against Blackpool.
For the Latics, it was more misery as substitute Callum McManaman was sent off for dangerous play having been on the field for only nine minutes.
The hosts, though, started in the box seat but after bossing the early stages in terms of possession, almost found themselves a goal down on 20 minutes.
Jacques Maghoma broke down the right and delivered an inviting cross towards Nuhiu but Ivan Ramis clawed the ball clear from his own line.
The Owls threatened again six minutes later when Tom Lees was a whisker away from converting a Chris Maguire corner at the back post.
Lewis McGugan then fizzed a low drive wide and it was Wednesday who ended the first half having created the most promising of the chances.
The Latics started the second period with more purpose and James McClean forced a flying save from Keiren Westwood following a mazy run down the left flank.
McClean went one better just past the hour, neatly converting a Ben Watson free kick past Westwood but the linesman raised his flag to chalk the strike off.
Then, on 68 minutes, came the talking point of the contest.
Wigan substitute McManaman’s challenge on Claude Dielna was deemed dangerous and the midfielder saw red.
The impetus went the way of Wednesday and they capitalised with 13 minutes to go.
Scott Carson denied Nuhiu with a fine diving save from a Maguire corner but the big man was not to be denied.
Moments later, Jeremy Helan swung a dangerous ball into the six-yard box and Nuhiu was on hand to nod home.
The Owls were good value for the points, although they did have a scare five minutes from time when Ramis sent a glancing header goalwards but the ball came back into play off the inside of the upright.
Wigan: Carson, Tavernier (Maloney 82), Taylor, Ramis, McCann, Watson (Espinoza 66), McClean, Perch, Forshaw, Kiernan, Fortune (McManaman 59)
Owls: Westwood, Palmer, Lees, Loovens, Mattock (Dielna 57), Maghoma, Semedo, McGugan (Lee 81), Helan, Nuhiu, Maguire (May 85)