Wigan Athletic have edged past Ipswich Town courtesy of goals from Ryan Shotton and Nick Powell with a 2-0 victory at the DW Stadium.
The former Stoke City man headed home in the 12th minute from a narrow angle to put his ahead.
The home side survived a scare on the half-hour mark when Ryan Tunnicliffe and Daryl Murphy both had shots blocked on the line.
Mick McCarthy's team continued to create chances as Scott Carson had to be alert to thwart Murhpy, while David McGoldrick headed wide when well placed.
Tunnicliffe went close once more after the interval, but the best chance of the game fell to Thomas Rogne. The defender sent a free header wide of the far post, much to the frustration of the home supporters.
In the last minute of the game, Powell secured victory for the Latics when he nicked the ball off Gerken to leave himself with a simple finish.
