Wigan boosted their chances of staying in the Premiership with a timely 1-0 win over West Ham in their last live Premiership game. The Latics are however just two points away from the relegation zone at the 15th position with 23 points from 25 games.

Wigan boss Steve Bruce was delighted with his side's performance given that it came against a side that still entertains European ambitions. For the hammers the result was a body blow and manager Alan Curbishley will want to take a closer look at his side's composition.

The game was largely subdued with neither side troubling the other. Goalkeepers were largely dormant in the first half and until the added time there was little of note happening either side of the pitch.

The first real attack of note was in the 23rd minute when Ryan Taylor swerved in a corner that beat Hammers' goalkeeper Robert Green, but unfortunately there was no Wigan player to finish the move.

However Kevin Kilbane changed all that with a clinical finish in the 47th minute off a neat pass from Taylor. Kilbane's header was directed at an angle that left Green helpless.

The goal gave the Latics momentum going into the second half. Michael Brown, Antonio Valencia and Marcus Bent had gilt-edged chances to seal the game for Wigan, but they could not give the finishing touches.

The Hammers pressed on but were unable to break the Latics' defence and the only positive for them was the return of mercurial striker Craig Bellamy from an abdominal injury. The loss leaves West Ham at the 10th position on the Premiership table with 36 points from 24 games.