Wolverhampton Wanderers ended their eight-game wait for a Premier League win, beating fellow strugglers Wigan Athletic on Sunday.
Goals from Jamie O’Hara, David Edwards and Stephen Ward gave Wolves three points for the first time since August and put more pressure on Latics manager Roberto Martinez.
The visitors looked several yards short of a team worthy of a place in the top flight and barely deserved the goal they scored from the penalty spot by Ben Watson.
The result cemented their place at the foot of the table and launched Wolves into 13th place.
If it had not been for the athleticism of Wigan goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi, Wolves would have netted more.
Wolves had conceded 16 goals in their previous seven league games and their defensive problems were highlighted when Adlene Guedioura was played into trouble by a poor pass from left-back Ward.
Again, Wigan failed to take advantage after Mohamed Diame’s tackle and the through ball was wasted by a Hugo Rodallega shot that lacked conviction.
The Colombian then missed a golden opportunity in the 31st minute after Di Santo robbed Richard Stearman on the right.
His inch-perfect long ball looped over Christophe Berra’s head but Rodallega casually sidefooted wide with Wayne Hennessey’s net at his mercy.
Boss Martinez had even more cause to put his head in his hands after the subsequent goal kick led O’Hara to punish Rodallega’s folly.
The clearance was nodded into Doyle’s path by Guedioura and his smart cross was blasted home by the on-rushing midfielder.
Wigan had rarely threatened but their right flank had looked the most likely to reap reward. Full-back Emerson Boyce drove on from deep to produce the penalty slotted home by Watson at the second attempt in the 42nd minute.
The ex-Crystal Palace defender’s charge into the box was ended by a block from Hunt that left referee Lee Probert with no choice but to point to the spot.
Watson’s poor shot was stopped easily by Hennessey, however, he then pushed the ball to the grateful midfielder to complete the job.
Wolves regained the lead 10 minutes after the interval.
Substitute Matt Jarvis drew out Boyce and then played in Henry. The midfield hatchet-man showed surprising grace to dance to the byline and cut back to Hunt.
The Irishman’s shot from point blank range was saved superbly by Al Habsi, but even better was to come, as he somehow clawed away O’Hara’s follow-up when prone on the ground.
Unluckily for the shot stopper, third time was the trick for Wolves as Edwards unleashed an unstoppable half-volley into the net as the stationery Wigan defence watched on.
Ward made the victory safe with Wolves’ third in the 66th minute.
Jarvis was the creator this time as he danced inside Boyce to find Edwards. Edwards’ scuffed effort was deflected into O’Hara’s path and his shot was save brilliantly by Al Habsi again.
Cruelly, history repeated itself and the rebound from Ward was deflected home via Alcaraz.
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