Two goals in the space of three minutes in the final quarter saw Stockport cement their Sky Bet League One play-off credentials with a 2-0 victory at struggling Wigan.

Wigan had started well with Jonny Smith cutting in and seeing a shot turned behind for a corner, before Sam Tickle had to pull off a great save to deny Ethan Pye at the other end.

Back came Wigan and James Carragher’s powerful low shot was well saved by Ben Hinchliffe.

That was the County goalkeeper’s last involvement, before having to leave the field to be replaced by Corey Addai.

Another brilliant save from Tickle, at point-blank range, prevented former Wigan man Callum Connolly from converting Owen Moxon’s corner at the far post.

Wigan could and should have gone in front with 15 minutes to go, when Joseph Hungbo played in fellow substitute and January arrival Ronan Darcy, only for Addai to make an incredible save with his leg.

Within seven minutes it was all over as Lewis Bate slotted home from close range after 79 minutes, before Will Collar beat Tickle off Callum Camps’ left-wing cross with eight to go.