Latics' hopes of pulling further clear of the relegation places in Coca-Cola League One were dealt a blow late in the opening half against Brighton.

The Seagulls took the lead in the 40th minute through a stunning strike from Elliott Bennett to stun Latics.

Latics made a lively start and came close to making a second-minute breakthrough when Pawel Abbott headed narrowly wide following excellent work by Lewis Guy who fired over a super cross from the right.

Abbott went close again two minutes later cutting in from the left before seeing his shot deflected wide for a corner.

Chris Taylor and Guy also fired wide as Latics created four clear-cut chances in less than seven minutes as Brighton barely got out of their own half.

Brighton gradually began to inch their way into the contest with a drive from Inigo Calderon forcing a first save from Latics' keeper Darryl Flahavan in the 16th minute.

After the bright opening, the match sadly degenerated into a dour contest with little goalmouth activity at either end.

Then five minutes before the break the stalemate finally came to an end when Brighton snatched the lead with a breathtaking strike from Bennett.

The wide midfield man cut in from the left and unleashed a spectacular shot from the edge of the box which arrowed into the top corner giving Flahavan no chance.

Latics came back strongly in pursuit of an equaliser as Abbott and Taylor were both dened by saves from keeper Peter Brezovan.

Half-time: Latics 0, Brighton 1.