Wales striker Neil Roberts sent Wigan back to the top of the Division Two as he grabbed his third goal of the season in a tight win over Northampton.

Roberts, who was being watched by national manager Mark Hughes, swept home a cross by Scott Green in the 36th minute of an undistinguished game, which was totally dominated by the home side.

Northampton defended very deep throughout and never really troubled opposition goalkeeper John Filan.

To make matters worse they had veteran striker Marco Gabbiadini sent off in the 73rd minute for a second bookable offence.

Wigan should have added to their lead before half-time but Green headed over the crossbar from a Steve McMillan cross when he should have done better.

Wigan could not turn their relentless pressure into a further goal after the break, with Matt Jackson going closest with a close-range header from a Peter Kennedy cross which went narrowly wide.

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

Northampton: Harper, Gill, Burgess, Sampson, Carruthers, Harsley, Trollope, Hargreaves, Asamoah, Gabbiadini, Forrester. Subs: Spedding, Hope, Stamp, Lincoln, Bunn.

Referee: A Kaye (W Yorkshire)