Latics' four match unbeaten run came to an abrupt end following a home defeat by Brighton in Coca-Cola League One.

The promise of the previous fortnight evaporated as Latics lost their seventh league match of the campaign at Boundary Park to remain dangerously close to the relegation places.

Latics' hopes of clawing their way back into the match effectively ended in the 57th minute when Brighton doubled their advantage following a catalogue of defensive errors.

They had ample opportunity to clear the danger before Seb Carole fired over a low cross from the right which Jon Worthington turned into his own goal from a couple of yards as he attempted to cut out the danger.

Manager Dave Penney's reaction was to immediately substitute Danny Whitaker bringing on Deane Smalley in a straight swap on the right side of midfield while Tom Eaves replaced Worthington with 12 minutes left.

Latics had to wait until the 34th minute of the half before they carved out their first chance when Pawel Abbott shot well wide.

But Penney's side was given an opportunity to revive their fortunes when they were awarded an 83rd minute penalty by a referee's assistant who spotted a handball by Tommy Elphick.

Sadly Abbott missed a second spot kick of the season as keeper Peter Brezovan made a super stop low to his right to beat away the kick. And Eaves, following up, crashed an angled shot against the underside of the crossbar as it amazingly stayed out of the goal.

Smalley then failed to hit the target with a free header from six yards while Latics ought to have been awarded a second penalty in the last minute when Marcos Painter clearly handled the ball.

Right at the death, Brighton would have added a third goal but for a fine save from Flahavan to turn away a fiercely-struck shot from Glenn Murray.

Full-time: Latics 0, Brighton 2.