Share

Wigan hold off Southampton

Southampton - Wigan Athletic held off promoted Southampton to claim a 2-0 away win on Saturday that took Roberto Martinez's side into the top half of the English Premier League table.

It took the Latics until November to claim their first away win last season but they took the three points at St Mary's Stadium thanks to goals in each half from Franco Di Santo and Ivorian new signing Arouna Kone.

Southampton had led 2-1 at champions Manchester City in their opening game last weekend, before going on to lose 3-2, and they made an enterprising start against Wigan, who fell 2-0 at home to Chelsea in their first outing.

Home captain Adam Lallana produced the first moment of excitement of the afternoon, with a rising 25-yard drive that Wigan goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi superbly tipped onto the crossbar.

A tame first half drew to a close beneath driving rain on the English south coast but six minutes into the second period, Wigan struck.

Shaun Maloney's through-ball released Di Santo and the Argentine kept his cool to lift the ball into the roof of the net from 10 yards.

A goal-scoring substitute in the game at City, Rickie Lambert was handed a start against Wigan and he led the Saints' efforts to find an equaliser in the second half.

He drew a good save from Al Habsi with a well-struck effort in the 63rd minute and then teed up Jos Hooiveld for a header that landed on the top of the crossbar.

Kone, a close-season acquisition from Levante, sealed victory in the 89th minute, robbing Jose Fonte of possession on halfway and running clear before beating Kelvin Davies in the Southampton goal.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
How much would you be prepared to pay for a ticket to watch the Springboks play against the All Blacks at Ellis Park or Cape Town Stadium this year?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
R0 - R200
33% - 1811 votes
R200 - R500
32% - 1769 votes
R500 - R800
19% - 1074 votes
R800 - R1500
8% - 456 votes
R1500 - R2500
3% - 184 votes
I'd pay anything! It's the Boks v All Blacks!
5% - 252 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE