Middlesbrough were lucky as Jeremie Aliadiere poached a late winner in their match-up against Wigan at the JJB Stadium.

Wigan dominated Middlesbrough in the first half but the two sides went into the break goalless.

Talented striker Amr Zaki had the best chance of breaking the deadlock when in the 42nd minute his zinger from the edge of the box was tipped round the post by Boro keeper Ross Turnbull.

Wigan's Wilson Palacios had an early chance but he saw his shot ski across the face of goal. Boro's best chance of the first half came from David Wheater, but his header was just over the Wigan bar.

In the 50th minute Wigan had yet another chance as Palacios got the ball on a counter-attack, but the Honduran midfielder fired it over the bar.

Gareth Southgate's men were impressive in defence, particularly David Wheater who had a number of spectacular saves, including a headed effort in the 71st minute.

And then in the 89th minute Didier Digard crossed in from the right to Downing who headed the ball down to Aliadiere, who made no mistake as he slammed it into the bottom corner from 12 yards.

Boro go up to tenth from 16 on the Premier League table, while Wigan drop two places to twelfth.

Wigan: Kirkland, Melchiot, Bramble, Scharner, Figueroa, Valencia, Cattermole, Palacios, Kapo, Zaki, Heskey. Subs: Pollitt, Taylor, Kilbane, Koumas, De Ridder, Camara, Brown

Middlesbrough: Turnbull, Hoyte, Wheater, Riggott, Grounds, Aliadiere, O'Neil, Shawky, Downing, Alves, Mido. Subs: Jones, Digard, Emnes, Adam Johnson, John Johnson, Walker, Craddock

Referee: Martin Atkinson (W Yorkshire)