Jordan Hugill's goals were his first in 11 league appearances for Midlesbrough
A first-half double from Jordan Hugill sent Middlesbrough back up to second in the Championship with a routine win over Wigan.
Hugill opened the scoring from the penalty spot after Cedric Kipre had brought down George Friend in the penalty area before making it 2-0 with a header from Martin Braithwaite's cross.
The Latics, playing for the first time since Hong Kong-based company International Entertainment Corporation completed their takeover of the club, improved after the break but sub Callum McManaman's fierce shot over the crossbar was as close as they came.
Norwich's late winner over Millwall meant that Boro's first league win since 19 October was not enough to send them back to the top of the table.
Boro had drawn their previous three league games but were unlikely to make it a fourth once West Ham loanee Hugill scored his second goal in six minutes just before the break.
Hugill's goals were his first in the league since scoring for Preston against Boro on 1 January and he could have scored more but for Wigan keeper Christian Walton's excellent save to deny him an early opener.
A fourth straight defeat for Paul Cook's side leaves them just four points above the relegation zone but their improved second-half showing will at least have been some consolation.
Tony Pulis' men face a trip to Brentford after the international break, while Wigan host struggling Reading.
Middlesbrough manager Tony Pulis:
"I was really pleased that Jordan got the two goals. What people have missed, and I've said it before, is that the lad went from Preston to West Ham and was never involved in any football at all in the Premier League.
"Then in pre-season he got an injury, so he hasn't really done anything for six months. He came here really cold, his fitness levels were nowhere near those of the rest of the group, but he's worked really hard and, in the last few games, we've seen some good signs.
"The great thing about him is that he's got that little bit of steel about him. He's a local lad and he's desperate to do well for this football club."
Wigan Athletic boss Paul Cook:
"You come to places like the stadium today playing against a very strong team, know you're going to have to defend and come under pressure, but from my point of view the goals we're giving away aren't coming from pressure, they're coming from individual mistakes.
"It's a sucker-punch. You can make a million excuses, but if you offer good strong teams like Middlesbrough the opportunity to gain confidence you're going to give yourself a mountain you can't climb.
"If you make individual errors, as I say with Middlesbrough, they're an excellent side, very strong all over the pitch, they'll cause you loads of problems and when they have to defend they'll defend as good as anyone."
