An early goal by Gary Gardner has gifted Brighton & Hove Albion a 1-0 win against Wigan Athletic in Tuesday evening's Championship clash at the Amex Stadium.
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The hosts took the lead in the first minute of the game when Sam Baldock's run down the right flank was followed by a cross into the Latics' box, which Gardner nodded home.
Just after the quarter-hour mark, Joao Teixeira picked up a Kazenga LuaLua ball before lashing a shot that cannoned off the crossbar.
Wigan then had a promising spell in the latter stages of the first half, with Martyn Waghorn proving a nuisance with two headers and his teammate James Tavernier threatening with a free kick.
Six minutes after the restart, Wigan goalkeeper Scott Carson had to be alert to gather LuaLua's deflected shot, while at the other end, Shaun Maloney and Waghorn registered efforts against the Seagulls.
The game appeared to peter out after the hour mark, with few attacking forays by either side, and ultimately, Brighton were able to secure all three points and find themselves just outside the relegation zone, in 20th place with 16 points.
Meanwhile, Wigan hover just above them in 19th place, level on points with Brighton but ahead on goal difference.
Giuseppe Labellarte
