Last updated on .From the section Championship

Gary Roberts scored in Wigan's previous win, getting the first in a 3-1 win over Blackburn on 28 November

Struggling Wigan hammered Aston Villa to win for the first time since November and further dent Villa's flagging play-off hopes.

The hosts took a deserved lead before the break when Gary Roberts thumped home after being set up by debutant Anthony Pilkington.

The visitors made a triple change with just under half an hour to play but Wigan wrapped up the victory thanks to a Michael Jacobs header and a late Joe Garner penalty.

It was a dismal afternoon for Dean Smith's side, who have now won just one of their past eight games in all competitions and slip to 12th in the table.

Chelsea loanee Tammy Abraham, who turned down the chance to join Wolves earlier this week, missed a fine early chance to put Villa in front after poor distribution from Latics keeper Jamie Jones helped Yannick Bolasie play the England man in on goal.

That was as good as it got for the visitors as the Latics took control of the game and never looked remotely troubled thereafter, Garner securing the points after Josh Windass had been bundled over by sub Glenn Whelan.

Victory for Paul Cook's men moved them six points clear of relegation danger, as they look to avoid an immediate return to League One.

Wigan travel to Sheffield Wednesday next week, while Aston Villa host in-form Hull City looking for a first home win since 25 November.

Wigan manager Paul Cook: "I'm delighted to win. It's been a tough couple of months for us, since we beat Blackburn at home (on 28 November).

"But watching us, you could never imagine we were a team that was in trouble. From the first to the 90th minute we were excellent.

"We coped with any danger at our end, but also all of the key decisions went our way. To win games, sometimes that's the way it's got to be. And in the blink of an eye, suddenly the world seems a brighter place."

Aston Villa head coach Dean Smith: "I told the players after the game this is the bottom of where I've been so far in my managerial career. And it should be the bottom of where Aston Villa is.

"I'm an Aston Villa fan and to lose 3-0 two weeks on the spin is very, very disappointing. That performance was rubbish - it was very poor.

"I've got to earn my money now and make sure it never happens again. Overall I thought they ran harder than we did and that's the disappointing thing."