The home side almost fell behind immediately as a quick throw from Bruno released Craig Mackail-Smith down the right, and his shot was tipped round the post by Scott Carson.

Brighton's fast start continued as Dale Stephens blasted an effort marginally over from close range following Danny Holla's cross.

However, Wigan found the breakthrough when Jermaine Pennant found Tim Chow with a cross, and he headed the ball into the bottom corner.

Brighton almost hit back immediately, though, as Beram Kayal found space in the box and had an effort tipped onto the post by Carson.

Chances began to flow more easily after Chow's strike and Wigan almost doubled their lead through William Kvist, whose long-range shot stung the palms of David Stockdale.

On the brink of half time, James McClean was released through on goal but he could not add a second as Stockdale kept out his low shot.

The break came at the wrong time for the hosts as they were bossing the game, and Brighton equalised 10 minutes into the second half as Stephens volleyed home from a corner.

The Seagulls sensed a change in momentum as Kazenga LuaLua forced Carson into a low save in their search of a second. The striker went close again 10 minutes later, but he poked an effort wide when one-on-one with Carson.

Wigan pushed forward desperately and almost retook the lead through Kim Bo-kyung, but his effort from close range narrowly went past the post.

The Latics did find the net for a second time, though, as Marc Antoine-Fortune's low cross-cum-shot was touched into the net by James Perch to give them their first home win since August.