Wigan Athletic 0-1 Derby County: Rams move up to fourth in the Championship
- Published
Referee Gavin Ward shows a red card to Wigan midfielder Kal Naismith in the 15th minute
Jack Marriott's first-half header was enough to secure three points for Derby at 10-man Wigan.
Marriott, back in the team after a foot injury, headed in Jayden Bogle's cross after 21 minutes.
Wigan were up against it after Kal Naismith was red-carded in the 15th minute for hauling down Harry Wilson as he ran onto a Marriott through ball.
Derby moved briefly into third place in the Championship table, having started the day outside the play-off places, but dropped to fourth after Sheffield United beat Reading in the later kick-off.
The Rams almost doubled their lead after 27 minutes, but Wilson's shot was cleared off the line by Nathan Byrne following Christian Walton's save from Marriott's cross.
The home players urged referee Gavin Ward to show Wilson a second yellow for diving when he went down under the challenge of Dan Burn after 67 minutes.
After consulting with his assistant, Ward decided to take no further action and Wilson was substituted shortly afterwards.
Wigan pressed for an equaliser but saw Josh Windass's effort ruled out for offside.
Wigan manager Paul Cook:
"I'm very disappointed not to get a draw. I thought we started the game really well and the sending-off was obviously huge in the game.
"Derby were magnificent then for 10-15-20 minutes, when they cut us open at will, and on another day could have scored more goals.
"Could I have asked any more from my players? Certainly not. They've given me everything in trying to get a point and that's all I can ask as a manager."
Derby manager Frank Lampard:
"It was tough and it shouldn't have been in a way. In the first half we were fantastic and probably should have had two or three goals, which would have made it comfortable.
"Fair play to Wigan, they rearranged at half-time and obviously had some words from their manager. They went very direct on us and our quality levels dropped.
"But clean sheets have been very shy on us in recent weeks and that was the important thing. I'm pleased with that and I'm pleased with the win because this is a tough place to come."