Match Report: Wigan Athletic 1 Boro 4

It was celebrations all round as Boro picked up a first away win since April after dispatching Wigan Athletic in some style.

Goals from Isaiah Jones, Duncan Watmore, Hayden Hackney and Chuba Akpom had Leo Percovich and his interim management team celebrating with the magnificent Boro travelling support.

It was the fourth game with Percovich and the interim management team at the helm, and for the first time this season, Boro started a game with a back-four instead of three central defenders.

Boro’s first opportunity came when Tommy Smith, who was called up in the right-back role, crossed for Akpom who sent a header glancing wide.

Jones, playing in an advanced role down the right, then tested Ben Amos after some sloppy defending by the home side allowed him a sight on goal.

When Wigan attacked, Smith made a great block to deny James McClean.

Zack Steffen wasn’t called upon until after the half-hour when he made a terrific save to deny the home side.

Unfortunately, the resultant corner proved to be another set-piece undoing of Boro as Will Keane converted from close range.

But Boro were back on level terms before half-time, Watmore the creator after sprinting down the left before his pull-back was met by Jones who converted the chance with aplomb.

It was Boro’s first away goal since August and was greeted with delight by the magnificent travelling support.

The 1,200 away fans were almost celebrating again at the start of the second period when with Boro starting on the front foot, Watmore headed against the underside of the bar before it was cleared to safety.

Jones also forged another opening, but the ball was hacked clear once again.

It was 2-1 moments later, though. Watmore made another terrific run before delivering a finish of the highest quality to send the travelling fans wild.

Wigan threatened straight from the re-start, but Darragh Lenihan made a vital block.

But it was 3-1 before the hour mark when Hackney scored his first senior goal with a great strike from distance straight into the back of the net.

More good play saw Akpom denied a fourth goal by a defensive block as Boro looked like a ream rejuvenated. The resultant corner was also turned back over the top by a home defender as Wigan were on the rack.

Matt Crooks had a goal disallowed for offside, but it mattered not because Jones was felled in the area moments later, and an unflappable Akpom stepped to convert the penalty.