Wigan Athletic 1-4 Middlesbrough: Managerless Boro earn first away win of season

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Duncan WatmoreImage source, Getty Images
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Duncan Watmore's fourth goal of the season and first assist sparked Boro's comeback

Middlesbrough climbed out of the bottom three as they came back to beat Wigan for their first away league win of the season.

Will Keane glanced in James McClean's corner at the near post to put Wigan in front, but Duncan Watmore pulled the ball back for Isaiah Jones to side-foot an equaliser right on half-time.

Watmore then collected a long ball and saw a ricochet fall into his path before steering a shot across Latics keeper Ben Amos into the far corner.

Moments later Hayden Hackney fired a superb low shot into the bottom corner for his first league goal before Chuba Akpom's penalty made it 4-1 after Graeme Shinnie brought down Jones.

Boro kicked off with the Championship's worst away record, having taken just one point from six outings on the road, but they overwhelmed the hosts in the second half, with Matt Crooks also seeing a goal ruled out for offside.

With Michael Carrick linked to the vacant manager's post, Boro's second win in four games under interim boss Leo Percovich lifts them up to 20th, two points above the bottom three, while Wigan remain 17th after a fourth defeat in five.

After a dour opening, there were few suggestions the Teesiders could reverse their fortunes, especially when Keane profited from some lax set-piece defending to put the Latics in front.

But the game changed on the stroke of half-time when a slip from Jack Whatmough allowed Watmore to run on and tee up Jones' first goal since the opening day of the season.

And a stunning start to the second half all but sewed up Boro's first win on the road since 2 April.

Moments after heading against the bar, Watmore then added his fourth goal of the season to his first-half assist before Hackney struck on his fifth senior start and Akpom's penalty added further gloss.

Middlesbrough interim manager Leo Percovich told BBC Radio Tees:

"You could feel today the players were unleashed. You see the players enjoying playing football, you could see the type of goals and type of play that we created. They couldn't have done more.

"The first (Wigan) goal is like a really big punch, but the togetherness and unity we have during the week and the commitment kept them together."

(On links to Michael Carrick): "I haven't spoken with the club yet about that, but he is very welcome because we want the best for the club. Whoever is coming we will help and support, and try to do the best for the club."

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