Derby County have recorded their first Championship win for eight games with a 2-0 victory over struggling Wigan Athletic at the DW Stadium.
The result has left Derby in fifth position in the table, while Wigan remain 23rd, eight points from safety.
Tom Ince had the game's first shot for Derby inside three minutes, but his effort was always rising high and wide of the crossbar.
Derby had a clear sight of goal after 12 minutes when Darren Bent set up Ince inside the box, but Ali Al Habsi was on hand to make the save, before Kim Bo-Kyung tested Lee Grant down the other end.
James McClean was next to come close for the home side after 36 minutes, but his header was saved by Grant in a first period that lacked clear chances.
Derby boss Steve McClaren introduced leading scorer Chris Martin at the break, however, and the change paid dividends as the forward converted a low cross from Johnny Russell to send the Rams ahead six minutes into the second period.
Wigan came close to levelling just before the hour when Kim struck a powerful effort from outside the box, but Grant was down to make a smart save.
Derby had the chance to make it 2-0 after 65 minutes when Martin and Bent combined before finding Ince, but the attacker could only lift his effort over the crossbar, before Grant denied McClean from a header down the other end.
Derby had the game's crucial second goal 10 minutes from time, however, when Bent converted from inside the box.
Grant McCann tested Grant late on as the hosts attempted to respond, but Derby closed out the match to record a vital three points.
Matt Law
