Blackpool held on for three vital points against Wigan Athletic as they look to maintain their quest for promotion to the Premier League.

Thomas Ince put Blackpool in the lead after Dan Gosling's surging run was brought to an abrupt halt in the box by keeper Scott Carson, and the England Under 21 player converted the spot kick.

Wigan posed an attacking threat throughout the game and could have been on level terms straight away as Nick Powell, on loan from Manchester United, tried a flick with his back to goal, which flew inches wide of the post with Matt Gilks beaten.

Blackpool, who started the game in the playoff places were under pressure for much of the second half as Wigan piled on the pressure.

The Latics came close to finding an equaliser when Ben Watson's corner was headed against the bar by Thomas Rogne and the rebound fell to Emerson Boyce, whose effort was denied by a goal line block.

Moments later, former Norwich forward Grant Holt rattled the woodwork but James McLean couldn't control his effort on the rebound.

Wigan's tough afternoon ended on a sour note as James McLean was sent off after retaliating to an apparent stamp by Gary Mackenzie, which wasn't picked up by the referee.

The result keeps Wigan outside the playoff positions while Blackpool are still in the top six.