Derby County's winless run extended to 21 matches when they were soundly beaten 2-0 by Wigan Athletic in their Premiership encounter on Saturday.

It was a deserved victory for Wigan who dominated the proceedings with Derby managing just three attempts on goal throughout the game. Paul Scharner broke the deadlock midway through the second half and Antonio Valencia put the result beyond Derby's reach by doubling the score six minutes from full time.

Things started on a bright note for Derby who created the first chance of the match in the 6th minute when Stephen Pearson warmed Chris Kirkland's palms from 18 yards out. However it was the closest that the visitors came to scoring in the first half as Wigan dominated the chances with Roy Carroll keeping out Kevin Kilbane's header.

Wigan looked to have taken the lead in the 25th minute when Mario Melchiot's shot rolled over the line before Giles Barnes cleared the ball but the linesman waved play on even though replays showed that the ball had passed the line.

Wigan came out all guns blazing in the second half and Carroll had to be alert to deny Emile Heskey twice but was helpless as Scharner put the hosts in front on the hour mark when he latched on to a rebound to smash the ball in at the far post.

Derby were unable to put up any response and Wigan assured themselves of three points when Valencia smashed the ball into the roof of the net from six yards out in the 87th minute to register Wigan's second home win in a row.