Last updated on .From the section Championship

Referee Andrew Madley shows the red card to Preston's Ryan Ledson for a foul on Wigan's Kal Naismith

Goals from Leon Clarke and Lee Evans were enough to secure Championship survival for Wigan Athletic and end Preston North End's faint hopes of making the play-offs.

Clarke fired the Latics into an early lead at the DW Stadium with a close-range finish and midfielder Evans sealed victory with his first goal since rejoining the club 20 minutes from time.

Preston gave their hosts some anxious moments despite being reduced to 10 men after Ryan Ledson received a straight red card late in the first half.

But victory for Paul Cook's side - their second of the Easter weekend - lifted them to 18th place in the table and ensured they will play second-tier football again next season.

Preston made the better start, but they fell behind in the 11th minute when their defence made a hash of Antonee Robinson's cross and Kal Naismith teed up Clarke for a tap-in.

Naismith went close to extending the Latics' advantage soon afterwards, glancing Nathan Byrne's cross past the post, while Gavin Massey burst through only to scuff his chance wide.

The visitors' hopes of a fightback were dented 10 minutes before the break when Ledson was sent off for the second time this season, following a high challenge on Naismith.

But North End dominated at the start of the second half and Paul Gallagher forced a flying save from Christian Walton.

However, Evans eased his side's nerves when he collected a cross from the left and rifled into the roof of the net, with the help of a deflection off Preston defender Jordan Storey.

Wigan manager Paul Cook:

"In the lowest moments we all thought about possibly getting relegated, but football is a long, long season, and you have to stay the pace.

"League tables don't tell lies, everyone finishes where they deserve to finish, and we're delighted to be staying up.

"I'm so pleased for the players and the staff, because those are the ones who've had to pick themselves up from the lowest moments.

"I thought we responded well at the right time, and I'm sure the Wigan fans are proud of their side tonight."

Preston manager Alex Neil told BBC Lancashire:

"Ryan makes a rash decision by flinging his boot in and gets sent off and from that point it makes it really difficult for us.

"It's happened too often this season, if we're going to challenge for the top six. I think that's happened six times now this season and we've still got two to play, so hopefully nobody gets sent off in them.

"I've got to work with 10 men again and, to be honest, we're the makers of our own downfall at times."