Latics remain in the Coca-Cola League One relegation places following their 1-0 home defeat against leaders Norwich City who extended their lead at the top of the table.

Grant Holt scored the decisive goal, his 25th of the season, though Latics gave a spirited account of themselves but  ultimately failed to find the net for a third successive match.

After a goalless opening half, Latics made a spirited start to the second period as Pawel Abbott carved out a chance for himself, but only shot straight at keeper Fraser Forster.

The stalemate was finally broken in the 53rd minute, and inevitably it was Holt who inflicted the damage after he had been their main tormentor in the first period.

Kieran Lee failed to cut out a forward pass from Wes Houlahan as Anthony McNamee put in the cross from the left which Holt fired into the roof of the net at the far post from inside the six-yard box.

Latics displayed character as Dean Furman's fierce drive was beaten out by Forster while Chris Taylor headed over from a Dale Stephens free kick.

Manager Dave Penney brought on Keigan Parker for Joe Colbeck after an hour in a straight swop on the right, though not long after he switched to a 3-4-3 system with Lee moving into midfield as Latics sought an elusive equaliser.

Latics were far more of a threat in the closing stages and were desperately unlucky not to draw level in the 83rd minute.

Parker burst through on goal onto a long ball from Furman, but Forster made a superb save

Then moments later Forster was beaten by Reuben Hazell's header from a Stephens corner only for Korey Smith to come to the rescue with a goalline clearance.

Full time: Latics 0, Norwich City 1.