Wigan maintained their position at the top of Division Two as Neil Roberts' strike edged a crucial win over Brentford at Griffin Park.

The pulsating encounter which seemed inevitable with both clubs fighting at the right end of the table failed to materialise, and Roberts' close-range finish was the only occasion when a goal looked likely.

With the game heading for stalemate at half time, Wigan's winner came out of nowhere in injury time.

A neat build-up from Paul Jewell's side found Roberts inside the area and he converted a low shot from six yards to put the league leaders in control.

Nathan Ellington almost extended Wigan's advantage after the restart, shooting wide from outside the box, and his header then flew over the crossbar as the Latics tried to kill the game.

Stephen Hunt had earlier had Brentford's first effort, although his shot was poor, and substitute Martin Rowlands also disappointed with an ambitious long-range strike.

But the home side could not restore parity and slipped to a disappointing defeat.

Brentford: Paul Smith, Dobson, Sonko, Anderson, Somner, O'Connor, Jay Smith, Evans, Hunt, McCammon, Vine.
Subs: Julian, Frampton, Williams, Rowlands, Tabb.

Wigan: Filan, McMillan, Eaden, Jackson, De Vos, Green, Dinning, Jarrett, Kennedy, Ellington, Roberts.
Subs: Mitchell, Breckin, Flynn, Beasant, Teale.

Referee: G Barber (Hertfordshire)