Wigan 1-4 Hull City

Substitute Tyler Smith scored twice as resurgent Hull City began the new year in style with a thumping win at bottom club Wigan Athletic.

Jacob Greaves’ delightful first-half finish was cancelled out by Nathan Broadhead’s header but Óscar Estupiñán’s deflected goal and Smith’s late double secured back-to-back away victories.

Liam Rosenior kept faith with the same XI that defeated Birmingham City, with captain Lewie Coyle back among the substitutes after recovering from a foot problem.

The visitors were aiming to make it seven away games unbeaten against a struggling Latics side still searching for their first win under Kolo Toure, having lost their previous two matches 4-1.

Kicking towards the noisy 2,500 travelling contingent, City completely dominated a first 15 minutes spent camped inside the home half, enjoying 80% possession and posing a persistent set-piece threat. From corners, Alfie Jones’ drive was blocked after intricate footwork from Regan Slater and Sean McLoughlin’s glancing near-post header was diverted wide by Estupiñán from close range.

It came as little surprise then when City opened the scoring from a corner Wigan failed to clear, Greaves guiding a composed first-time finish into the top corner with his trusty left foot.

The lowly Latics briefly came out of their shell as Max Power whipped a wide free-kick onto the top of the net and Ryan Nyambe’s 20-yard shot was charged down by Estupiñán.

The Tigers always looked in control throughout a one-sided opening period but were unable to extend the advantage, with Slater and Greg Docherty off-target with speculative long-range strikes.

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Wigan Athletic: J Jones; Nyambe, Whatmough, Tilt, Bennett (Magennis 75’); Power ©, Cousins (Naylor 55’); Lang (Broadhead 46’), Keane, McClean; Fletcher (Aasgaard 55’).
Subs not used: Amos, Edmonds-Green, Darikwa.

Hull City: Ingram; Christie (Figueiredo 83’), A Jones, McLoughlin, Greaves; Seri (Tufan 75’), Docherty, Slater; Longman (Woods 68’), Estupiñán (Coyle 83’), Allahyar (T Smith 46’).
Subs not used: Lo-Tutala, Elder.

Attendance: 12,522 (2,520 Hull City supporters).