Donaldson the destroyer
Two goals from Brentford's Clayton Donaldson, one of npower League One's top scorers, inflicted an eighth home league defeat on Latics.
The clinical finishing from Donaldson was effectively the difference between the two teams as the high-flying Bees strengthened their push for promotion at Boundary Park as they recorded their fifth league victory of the campaign.
It was another disappointing afternoon for Latics on the day when the club celebrated Jose Baxter signing a new two-and-a-half-year contract.
The clinical finishing from Donaldson was effectively the difference between the two teams as the high-flying Bees strengthened their push for promotion at Boundary Park as they recorded their fifth league victory of the campaign.
It was another disappointing afternoon for Latics on the day when the club celebrated Jose Baxter signing a new two-and-a-half-year contract.
Latics, 1-0 down at the break, made a spirited start to the second period.
Baxter's curled shot brought a diving save from keeper Simon Moore soon after the restart.
Adam Forshaw had three decent goal attempts for Brentford, firing a free kick and and two shots not far off target.
Latics made their first substitution of the match with 19 minutes left when Robbie Simpson was replaced by Daniel Taylor.
And that was quickly followed by a second switch as Kirk Millar came on for Cliff Byrne as Latics went three at the back in pursuit of an equaliser.
Baxter produced a delightful turn before seeing his shot well kept out by Moore with a stretching catch.
Millar (pictured) then made a dangerous burst forward before firing narrowly wide.
The Bees sealed victory in the 82nd minute when Donaldson scored his second goal of the game.
Substitute Sam Saunders squared the ball from the right to Donaldson who was completely free as he slotted home a low shot from 12 yards.
Latics then made their last change as Connor Hughes replaced Carl Winchester.
Taylor came close to getting Latics on to the scoresheet in stoppage time when his fierce shot was beaten away by Moore.
Baxter then had a shot deflected for a corner as they finished the game on the front foot.
Full-time: Latics 0, Brentford 2
Baxter's curled shot brought a diving save from keeper Simon Moore soon after the restart.
Adam Forshaw had three decent goal attempts for Brentford, firing a free kick and and two shots not far off target.
Latics made their first substitution of the match with 19 minutes left when Robbie Simpson was replaced by Daniel Taylor.
And that was quickly followed by a second switch as Kirk Millar came on for Cliff Byrne as Latics went three at the back in pursuit of an equaliser.
Baxter produced a delightful turn before seeing his shot well kept out by Moore with a stretching catch.
Millar (pictured) then made a dangerous burst forward before firing narrowly wide.
The Bees sealed victory in the 82nd minute when Donaldson scored his second goal of the game.
Substitute Sam Saunders squared the ball from the right to Donaldson who was completely free as he slotted home a low shot from 12 yards.
Latics then made their last change as Connor Hughes replaced Carl Winchester.
Taylor came close to getting Latics on to the scoresheet in stoppage time when his fierce shot was beaten away by Moore.
Baxter then had a shot deflected for a corner as they finished the game on the front foot.
Full-time: Latics 0, Brentford 2