Millwall beat rivals Wigan Athletic in crucial Championship clash

Millwall have clinched a vital 2-0 victory over relegation rivals Wigan Athletic in a bad-tempered affair at The New Den tonight.

Nadjim Abdou scored a crucial goal in the 75th minute as he powered in Dan Harding's cross, just 15 minutes after Martyn Waghorn was sent off for the visitors.

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Magaye Gueye clinched the points late on when he converted Mark Beevers's knock down in the box by firing the ball into the bottom corner.

Wigan ended the match with nine men after Jason Pearce was shown a red card for a dangerous tackle, while Millwall's Ed Upson was also shown a red for a fracas in the wake of Pearce's dismissal.

The visitors edged a tight opening 45 minutes and almost made a dream start, as James McLean hit the outside of the near post with a mis-hit cross.

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However, it took until the 28th minute for either goalkeeper to make a serious save, as Wigan striker Marc-Antoine Fortune had a header tipped over the bar, before Millwall goalkeeper David Forde was forced into a low save to keep out Kim Bo-Kyung's low drive towards the end of the half.

After the break, Millwall upped the pressure and almost took the lead through Aiden O'Brien, but his shot was saved by Scott Carson.

The away side were then reduced to 10 men as substitute Waghorn was handed a straight red card for kicking out at Harding while on the floor.

However, they had a great chance to take the lead when Gaetan Bong was found in space on the left-hand side, but he blazed over the bar.

Millwall made their extra man advantage tell though, as Abdou headed the winner minutes later and Gueye wrapped up the victory in stoppage time.