A goal either side of half-time saw Latics win their first game in six, and relegate Scunthorpe to the National League North.
After a mixed first thirty minutes, Norman’s goal-kick was flicked on by Alex Reid for Devarn Green, who calmly fired the ball past Billson.
As the hosts piled on pressure, looking for an equaliser, Sambou was brought down inside the box as he chased a long ball, and the referee awarded a penalty.
Sambou stepped up to take the spot-kick, slotting the ball past the ‘keeper.
Latics started the game with attacking intent, but soon had to change their plans when Joe Nuttall went down with a groin injury 15 minutes into the game.
Scunthorpe created some chances of their own, mainly through Danny Elliott who had a number of shots at goal.
Latics opened the scoring, however, when Reid beat Andrew Boyce in the air, giving the ball to Green who finished without taking a touch.
The Iron had a fantastic chance just before the half-time whistle, a series of passes saw the ball played to Will Smith in the box, but he failed to beat Magnus Norman from 6 yards out.
Scunthorpe, whilst not looking particularly dangerous in the second-half, did have their periods of play.
Their best chance of the game came when they won a free-kick in a prime shooting position, which Jacob Butterfield put over the bar.
Another groin injury, this time to Liam Hogan, forced David Unsworth to make another chance, with veteran Peter Clarke coming on in his place to steady the back four.
With 15 minutes left on the clock, Sambou was brought down by the goalkeeper as he raced to claim the ball, winning Latics a penalty.
Sambou read where the ‘keeper was going to dive, and put away his spot-kick with ease.
Latics: Norman, Hogan (P. Clarke 69), Sheron, Green, Shelton, Rooney, Reid (Chapman 74), Kitching, Sutton, Yarney, Nuttall (Sambou 18).
Subs not used: Hudson, Hope.
Attendance: 3,754 (958)