Dave Penney described it a "massive three points" after Latics won 1-0 at Tranmere Rovers to climb out of the relegation places in Coca-Cola League One.

As both teams occupied bottom-four spots before kick off, it was a match of vital importance to the fortunes of each club in their battle to pull clear of the division's danger zone.

"It was important psychologically to get three points which keeps Tranmere below us in the table and lifts us out of trouble," explained the Latics manager.

Penney believes the league table does not paint an accurate picture of his team's standing bearing in mind it has played up to four less matches than some of their rivals.

"I think you will find that once we all start to get to the same number of games, you will find us mid-table. We have seen how Leyton Orient have had a quick succession of games and quick wins which has enabled them to move up the league," Penney continued.

Penney believes the experience of loan-signings Jim Goodwin and Jason Price proved pivotal in the victory as they added mental toughness to the team saying there were more characters and leaders on the pitch.

Tranmere had collected 13 points from their previous five home league matches which underlined how well Latics did at a fog-bound Prenton Park where home manager Les Parry admitted the visitors deserved their victory.

He described his team's performance as "after the Lord Mayor's Show" following their splendid draw at promotion-chasing Charlton last Saturday.

Latics' promising performance belied the fact they had won only one of their previous 11 league matches as they were rarely in trouble, though Penney thought his side had played better in their previous match when they were beaten at home by Millwall.

Pawel Abbott was the Latics matchwinner scoring the decisive goal four minutes before the end of the opening half, a delightful glancing header from a Dale Stephens corner, his eighth goal of the campaign.

Indeed, Abbott missed what was arguably an easier chance moments later which, had it been taken, would have established a 2-0 interval lead after an opening period with Latics shaded in terms of possession and chances.

Danny Whitaker, restored to the midfield, would have added a second goal early in the second half but for an acrobatic save from keeper Luke Daniels to tip his header over the crossbar.

It was only in the latter stages that Tranmere, pushing forward in pusuit of an equaliser, caused any anxiety to a Latics defence in which Reuben Hazell and Sean Gregan were again rock solid.

Ian Thomas-Moore squeezed a shot past keeper Dean Brill but, with the ball rolling towards an empty net, midfield man Dean Furman appeared from nowhere to clear the danger.

Then right at the death Brill, with increased competition following the signing of Darryl Flahavan from Crystal Palace, justified his selection with a brilliant double save to deny Tranmere substitute Marvin Sordell who was making his debut having been signed on loan from Watford earlier in the week.

Brill's heroics were a slice of luck which Latics had failed to enjoy in recent months so could this victory prove a turning point in their fortunes in this difficult season which has disrupted by numerous injuries and countless postponements?

Tranmere: Daniels, Logan, Cresswell, Goodison, Taylor, Curran (Barnett 79), Welsh (Edds 71), McLaren, Shuker (Sordell 54), Thomas-Moore, Gornell. Subs (not used): Broomes, Mahon, Collister, McCready.

Latics: Brill, Goodwin, Hazell, Gregan, Jacobson, Smalley, Furman, Stephens (Marrow 81), Whitaker (Taylor 75), Abbott (Parker 79), Price. Subs (not used): Aljofree, Brooke, Colbeck, Flahavan.

Referee: Mr C Sarginson

Attendance: 5,518