Championship playoff hopefuls Wigan Athletic have boosted their chances of fighting for a Premier League spot by taking a 2-0 lead into the half-time interval against Reading.

Callum McManaman had a good chance to grab an early lead for the home side at the DW Stadium, but Reading keeper Alex McCarthy was able to make a crucial save.

The Latics took control of possession following a decent spell for Reading, but they struggled to find the opener as Roger Espinoza's header flew wide to the left of goal.

Half an hour into the game, Wigan were able to take the advantage when Jordi Gomez collected the ball and launched a shot into the back of the net past McCarthy.

Minutes later, James McArthur set himself up for a shot at goal, but McCarthy was able to block the ball and keep the deficit at just one.

However, before the close of the half, Martyn Waghorn latched on to a follow-up from McManaman's shot to double Wigan's lead at the DW Stadium.