Wigan Athletic boosted their battle against Championship relegation and closed the gap on Albion when they secured only their second win in 18 matches with a 1-0 victory at Reading.

Although Wigan were second best for much of a scrappy contest, they claimed a much-needed three points thanks to a close-range effort from debutant defender Jason Pearce in the 17th minute.

Wigan remain second-bottom in the table but are now only six points behind Seagulls.

The night could have been even worse for the Seagulls but for a helping hand from a familiar face.

Rotherham looked on course to upset Derby when they led 3-1 at the New York Stadium in the second half but former Albion loanee Darren Bent grabbed a late equaliser – his sixth goal in six games – for the Rams after Tom Ince had scored his second of the game.

The result lifted the Millers three points above Albion.