Sunderland maintained their recent good form to register their fourth victory in last eight matches with a comfortable 2-0 win against fellow relegation battlers Wigan Athletic on Saturday.

After a slow start to the game, Sunderland took the lead three minutes before half time through Dickson Etuhu. Wigan tried to take the game to Sunderland in the second half but Daryl Murphy put the result beyond doubt by doubling the lead 15 minutes before the final whistle.

Chances were few for most of the first half as both the teams sat deep intent on preserving the status quo and were limited to long range attempts. However Sunderland finally managed to get the break through when Dickson rose high to head home Dean Whitehead's free kick in the 42nd minute.

Heskey had a great chance to equalize for Wigan a minute later but though he managed to beat Craig Gordon in the goal, the ball flew inches wide of the target. The visitors stepped up the pressure in the second half and Gordon had to pull off a great save to deny Marlon King with the Sunderland defense some how managing to keep out Michael Brown's follow-up shot.

However the ball went straight to Kilbane who was lurking outside the area and his blistering shot smashed against the post. Wigan were dominating the possession with Sunderland content to protect their lead.

Emile Heskey had another chance to pull his team level but his header off Koumas' cross thudded against the cross bar. Sunderland doubled the lead against the run of play in the 75th minute when Murphy latched on to a pass by Andy Reid before smashing the ball past a diving Kirkland to wrap up the points for his side.