Gary Caldwell's Wigan secured a 2-0 win over his former club Exeter to leapfrog the Grecians and move three points clear of the League One drop zone.
Wigan made the perfect start and then survived a spell of Exeter pressure before a late second goal settled an absorbing contest in the hosts' favour.
Taylor Strikes Early
Wigan took the lead within five minutes when Fraser Murray's pinpoint left-wing cross was headed home by Joe Taylor, marking his ninth goal in his 12 league appearances since joining on loan from Huddersfield in January.