Wigan Athletic were left ruing missed chances as Middlesbrough snatched a fortuitous victory in their Premiership clash on Saturday.

Wigan dominated the chances throughout the game but were unable to convert as Boro scored a late winner through Jeremie Aliadiere in the 89th minute to register their first away win since the turn of the year.

Boro went into the match on the back of four successive defeats in all competitions and manager Gareth Southgate adopted a defensive approach to the game. Wigan on the other hand were high on confidence following a string of good performances in their recent matches.

The hosts went close to taking an early lead in the 10th minute when Heskey flicked the ball straight to Wilson Palacios but the midfielder was unable to hit the target from close range. Wigan continued to press and Amr Zaki came close to extending his great start to the season but only managed to hit the side netting from six yards out.

Though the visitors were struggling to create chances, both David Wheater and Chris Riggott put up a brilliant defensive performance to keep Wigan at bay for long periods in the match.

Zaki had another great chance to break the deadlock on the stroke of half time but his drive was superbly tipped over the bar by Ross Turnbull. The Middlesbrough keeper was back into action soon after the restart to deny Valencia but his block fell sweetly for Palacious but once again the midfielder blasted the ball well wide of the target.

Just when it looked as if both the teams will have to share the spoils, Aliadiere snatched all three points for Boro when he latched on to Downing's header before slotting the ball past Kirkland with just a minute to spare before the final whistle.