Second Division leaders Wigan were deserved winners, but this videos of this game won't be making their way into many Christmas stockings.

Huddersfield arrived at the JJB Stadium with the sole intention of stifling and spoiling Latics' style of play.

They regularly had nine men behind the ball in the hope Wigan could be knocked off their stride.

It came as no surprise to see a set piece finally breaking Town's dogged resilience.

Set piece goal

Wigan skipper Jason De Vos headed in Peter Kennedy's corner in first half stoppage time to secure victory.

Wigan boss Paul Jewell believes Huddersfield won't be the last team employing such negative tactics.

Christmas may be just a couple of days away but Jewell was not in high spirits after seeing his team grinding out another hard earned win.

Jewell said: 'My feet are on the ground ' our Christmas will hopefully come in May or June ' I know what it takes to win promotion and these kind of results are a bonus when you haven't played well.

"It's also difficult creating chances when the ball is bobbling around but it's another clean sheet for us ' that's around sixteen so I can't complain.

Plenty of points

"It was never going to be easy but it's no use assessing our season right now ' there are still a lot of points to play for.'

Tony Dinning had another outstanding game in midfield for a Wigan side whose work ethics and commitment cannot be questioned.

Jewell believes Wigan are at the top on merit and while some critics have knocked certain performances Jewell knows this is a division where teams have to roll up their sleeves and show steely qualities.

A bonus for Jewell was the return to action of Andy Liddell and Lee McCulloch, who came off the pitch following injury lay-off.

Both came through and Jewell admits it's like having a couple of new signings to call on with a hectic festive season looming.

Squad strengthening

Wigan could also strengthen their squad in the coming months ' former Blackburn striker Kevin Davies is the latest big name star linked with Wigan ' he's currently languishing in Southampton's reserve team and could well be interested in a return to the North West.

For now, Jewel simply wants Wigan to carry on the good work. Chances were at premium in trying to combat Wadsworth's negative approach ' Dinning had a goal disallowed and talented young Paul Mitchell blazed just wide after a great run.

As it was De Vos's goal was enough. Jewel added: 'We worked hard on our set pieces and it's always rewarding to see what you've done on the training ground pay off.'

Tweet