Trap door nears for Ince as Rovers crash to Wigan

Blackburn Rovers manager Paul Ince's future hung on a thread on Saturday after his side suffered a sixth successive Premiership defeat 3-0 to Wigan Athletic managed by former Manchester United teammate Steve Bruce.

Defeat means that Blackburn – champions in 1996 – are second from bottom of the table and in danger of being relegated for the second time in their Premiership history, having been relegated under former Manchester United assistant manager Brian Kidd.

Goals from England international Emile Heskey, the outstanding Antonio Valencia and Lee Cattermole wrapped up the three points for Wigan.

Wigan took the lead in the 12th minute through Heskey, seizing on an excellent cross from Antonio Valencia and flicking it past England goalkeeper Paul Robinson.

Wigan doubled their lead two minutes later and this time it was Valencia who netted as Robinson failed to clear convincingly and Dutch defender Mario Melchiot headed on to Valencia, who took full advantage without a Rovers player even trying to tackle him.

Ince sent on fit again David Dunn at the start of the second-half for Morten Gamst Pedersen as he desperately searched for some inspiration and within six minutes Rovers went close to reducing the deficit as Christopher Samba's header went wide of the goal from Australian winger Brett Emerton's cross.

However, Wigan went desperately close to making it 3-0 in the 57th minute as leading scorer Amr Zaki unleashed a shot from close on the goal but it went wide.

Dunn took time to get going after a long lay-off with an Achilles tendon injury but finally produced a shot worthy of Chris Kirkland making a save in the 66th minute.

It was Wigan, though, who deservedly extended their lead in the 77th minute as Cattermole drove home from just inside the area following another good piece of work by the seemingly tireless Valencia.

Rovers did at the least have the final shot on target with Roque Santa Cruz forcing the excellent Kirkland into a fine save.