Wigan needed a controversial winner Northampton to reach the second round of the Worthington Cup but the Division Two leaders had to settle for a solitary and controversial winner.

Jason Jarrett hit the 31st-minute clincher after being released by top-scorer Andy Liddell, who appeared to haul back Duncan Spedding to win possession.

Despite the slender scoreline, Wigan were too strong in most departments and should have won by a bigger margin.

Skipper Jason De Vos twice went close with headers, while Liddell was thwarted in quick succession by goalkeeper Nathan Abbey.

Northampton's only shot on target came from defender Daryl Burgess who headed straight at John Filan early in the second half.

Northampton: Abbey, Gill, Burgess, Spedding, Carruthers, McGregor, Harsley, Trollope, Hargreaves, Forrester, Gabbiadini. Subs: Harper, Rickers, Lincoln, Asamoah, One.

Wigan: Filan, Green, Jackson, De Vos, McMillan, Teale, Mitchell, Jarrett, McCulloch, Ellington, Liddell. Subs: Roberts, Flynn, Ashcroft, Dinning, Yeomans.

Referee: Steve Baines (Chesterfield).