WILL POWER

Keane caps call-up with goal No.20

WIGAN striker Will Keane celebrated his latest Republic of Ireland call-up by claiming his 20th goal of the season.

With the Latics leading Morecambe 2-1, Keane got the finest of touches to a Tom Naylor effort that looked to be going in – but he said: “I had to make sure, and they all count.”

A minute later Stephen Humphrys smashed in a fourth.

The Latics’ latest win – their fourth in six matches – puts them a point behind leaders Rotherham with two games in hand. That leaves them on course for a big push for top spot, with the dream still on for the 100point tally.

But though manager Leam Richardson was happy to celebrate “our best home result of the season” he added: “We still have to work at it, and we respect everybody.

“It’s important that we take the opportunity to reflect and digest our situation and then think of the next game against Bolton.”

The Latics’ second-half goal blitz came on top of Josh Magennis’ opener and a Jason Kerr strike after a goalmouth scramble.

But the result pushed thirdbottom Morecambe into deeper trouble, leaving them with no win in 12 and without an away victory since November.

Boss Derek Adams admitted: “We are not defending well enough. We’re still in touch, but we can’t rely on others. We have to defend better and we have to get results and make it count.”

Magennis’ goal came after relentless Wigan pressure. A cross from the right by skipper Tendayi Darikwa was met by Magennis, who headed past keeper Trevor Carson from close range.

It was 2-0 when, from a corner, Kerr managed to get in a shot in. His effort was cleared but the linesman flagged that the ball had crossed the line.

Morecambe halved the deficit with Dylan Connolly’s penalty after Jack Whatmough handled.

WIGAN: Amos 7; Tilt 7, Whatmough 6, Kerr 7, Darikwa 7, Power 6 (Shinnie 78, 6), Naylor 7, Mcclean 7, Keane 8; Humphrys 7, (Edwards 88), Magennis 8.

Subs not used: Jones, Watts, Pearce, Massey, Bennett.

MORECAMBE: Carson 7; Cooney 5, Bedeau 5 (Gibson 88), O’connor 5; Mcloughlin 6 (Phillips 74, 5), Leigh 5, Gnahoua 5 ( Ayunga 88), Wildig 5; Connolly 7, Stockton 7.

Subs not used: Smith, Obika, Mensa, Fane

MAN OF THE MATCH: Will Keane. The Wigan striker nodded home his 20th of the season to power Wigan towards promotion.

REFEREE: James Oldham 7.