Sheffield United held off Kolo Toure’s resilient Wigan side to win 2-1 at the DW Stadium and narrow the gap on Sky Bet Championship leaders Burnley to three points.
An excellent header from Blades defender John Egan quietened a strong start from the hosts (8), with Billy Sharp rolling in his second goal in as many games to double the lead after the break (56).
Nathan Broadhead tapped in from inside the six-yard box after Wes Foderingham had spilled a dangerous ball into the box from James McClean, but the Latics could not find an equaliser to earn a point in Toure’s first home game in charge.
Sheffield United move onto 44 points as they reach the halfway point in the season – a full 10 points ahead of seventh-placed Preston – with Wigan still stranded in the relegation zone, two points from safety.
More to follow…
What’s next?
Both teams are back in action at 3pm on Boxing Day. Wigan travel to the Riverside Stadium to take on Middlesbrough, while Sheffield United host Coventry City at Bramall Lane, in a game live on Sky Sports Football Red Button.