Struggling Wigan Athletic have succumbed to a 3-1 defeat at the hands of high-flying Bournemouth in this afternoon's Championship clash at the DW Stadium.

n the ninth minute, the hosts were denied by the woodwork when James McClean's free kick from a tight angle smashed against the bar.

Just three minutes later, the visitors countered through Yann Kermorgant, but the Frenchman saw his dangerous shot smartly saved by Wigan goalkeeper Ali Al-Habsi.

Leon Clarke, a deadline day signing from Wolverhampton Wanderers, was next to threaten as he got in behind the Cherries defence before dragging his shot wide of the target.

However, the deadlock was broken by Eddie Howe's charges in the 37th minute as Callum Wilson sprinted onto a through ball before tucking home past Al-Habsi.

Kermorgant doubled Bournemouth's lead just before the break when he bore down on goal before letting rip with a shot from the edge of the area that soared into the top corner.

Things would get even better for the visitors after the restart, with Wilson netting his second and his side's third of the afternoon just before the hour when he strode into the Wigan box and slotted home.

Some solace came the way of the Latics moments later, though, as Clarke pulled a goal back from McClean's cross.

Invigorated, the hosts began pushing forward and causing their opponents more trouble as Liam Ridgewell forced a smart save from Artur Boruc following a Don Cowie corner.

Despite some dangerous forays into the Cherries box, Wigan could not strike again as Bournemouth's impressive campaign continued with another three points to stay top of the Championship table.

The Latics, meanwhile, remain entrenched in the drop zone, second from bottom and seven points from safety.