Wigan got back to winning ways with a slender home victory over in-form Port Vale, who lost for the first time in six league matches.
The Latics had been winless in five weeks and it looked as though misery would continue when striker Dara Costelloe was given a straight red card just before half-time.
There was no intent on the Irishman's part as he attempted an overhead kick on the Vale goal, but he succeeded only in catching Kyle John full in the face and was dismissed by referee Ross Martin.
However, rather than boost the visitors, it succeeded only in giving Wigan renewed desire and motivation.
The only goal arrived 11 minutes after the restart when Malaece Asamoah – on as a half-time substitute – took advantage of a mistake at the back by Ronan Curtis to slot past Joe Gauci via a slight deflection.
Other than that, neither goalkeeper was really threatened too much.
Vale's best chance came early on when Dajaune Brown was dispossessed by Morgan Fox as he tried to take aim from the edge of the penalty area.
At the other end, Costelloe sent Wigan's most promising opportunity wide via a Vale deflection before his unfortunate sending-off.
Report supplied by PA Media.
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