Wigan sunk by gutsy Blackburn

Blackburn's Morten Gamst Pedersen, pictured 17 December 2005. Wigan's hopes of climbing back into a Champions League slot were soundly dashed by an enterprising Blackburn side who won 3-0 for one of their best results of the season.

Wigan's hopes of climbing back into a Champions League slot were soundly dashed by an enterprising Blackburn side who won 3-0 for one of their best results of the season.

After four straight wins, the home side were sitting pretty in a UEFA Cup spot and with only goal difference separating them from Tottenham in fourth place.

But they never looked like getting the better of their near-neighbours who have steadily climbed away from the Premiership relegation zone in recent weeks after a poor start to the season.

Mark Hughes's side had the best of the opening exchanges at the JJB Stadium, but came away empty-handed from a dangerous series of inswinging corners taken by Morten Gamst Pedersen.

But it was the Dane who finally put the visitors ahead after 15 minutes when he fired home from 12 yards out following a cross from Scotland winger Paul Dickov who was back in action after a one-match ban.

Steven Reid made it 2-0 eight minutes into the second half with a powerful drive from 20 yards out following a headed clearance.

Wigan manager Paul Jewell switched to a three-man attack in a bid to get his side back into the game, but it was Blackburn who looked the more likely to score on the counter-attack.

Hughes brought on Welsh international Craig Bellamy for Dickov after 56 minutes

The home side had their best chance with just six minutes to go, but substitute David Connolly squandered the opportunity after getting a clear shot a goal from near the penalty spot.

Immediately afterwards Bellamy made it 3-0 with a great solo effort which saw him run at the heart of the Wigan defence which failed to clear after he nearly lost control.

It was the former Celtic and Newcastle player's 100th career goal.