Premier League: Wigan 3 Wolves 2

13 May 2012 19:22

Wigan Athletic earned a successful end to their Premier League campaign with a 3-2 victory against bottom-of-the-table Wolves.

Matt Jarvis gave Wolves the lead inside the opening 10 minutes at the DW Stadium, but a goal from Franco Di Santo followed by a brace from Emerson Boyce gave Wigan their seventh win from their final nine matches.

In what was a party atmosphere at the packed out DW Stadium, Wigan were largely in control of the game against a side who looked every inch a bottom of the table team.

But the away side opened the scoring just nine minutes into the game when Matthew Jarvis found space on the edge of the box, controlling David Edward's pass before unleashing a delightful curling finish into the top corner.

The Wigan supporters were soon back in full voice though, as just two minutes later the in-form Di Santo netted his third goal from his last five appearances after driving a well directed shot into the bottom corner.

The lively start continued as the home side scored the game's third goal in just five minutes of action.

The unlikely scorer was defender Emmerson Boyce, who rose high to powerfully head home Jean Beausejour's left wing cross.

The Chilean winger was fed the ball after the diminutive Shaun Maloney had forced a corner after a positive forward run.

Next season’s Wolves manager Stale Solbakken watched on from the stands, presumably realising what a big job he will have on his hands.

The hosts were now in a buoyant mood, but missed a golden chance to extent their leader when the dangerous Beausejour latched on to a ball behind Ronald Zubar and squared for the waiting Di Santo, only for Stearman to race back and make a crucial interception.

The final stages of the first half were in stark contrast to the frenzied tempo of the opening 20 minutes, as Wigan went through the motions; happy to keep the ball and enjoy the lead.

It was Wigan who were creating all the chances in the second period.

Victor Moses really should have notched Wigan's third, drilling a shot well wide from nine yards out after good interplay between the impressive Beausejour and Maloney.

Eventually it was Boyce who extended their lead, spectacularly grabbing his second with an unstoppable volley from Hugo Rodallega's knock-down.

Wolves pulled a goal back with five minutes left on the clock when Steven Fletcher tapped into an empty net following a mix-up among the Wigan defence.

They searched for a late equaliser, but Wigan held out for a fully deserved three points that meant they finished the season in 15th place.