Troy Deeney’s double condemned Wigan to a 7th game without a win as the Latics continue to lurk in the bottom three.

The striker opened the scoring 20 minutes with a low finish but Chris McCann’s headed equaliser brought the game square on the stroke of half-time.

Ben Watson’s header came close to putting Wigan ahead but Deeney went one better and nodded in a late winner.

Well, it’s another week without a win and it was the same story for Wigan and Malky Mackay. A lot of hard work and effort but no reward. Wigan’s lack of urgency and confidence on the ball evidently showed in the early stages as passes were misplaced, players wanted to much time on the ball and Watford controlled large parts of the opening minutes.

Scott Carson was called into action early on following Watford’s early domination as Gianni Munari and Daniel Tozser tested the former England keeper early on.

The Hornets’ early pressure finally paid diligence midway inside the first half as Ikechi Anya nodded on a teasing ball to Deeney on the 6 yard box to finish low past Carson to give Watford a well deserved lead.

As the half wore on, Wigan grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck and took the game to Watford. The hosts look set to go into the break with a narrow lead but as they did at Sheffield Wednesday, Wigan equalised through Chris McCann. James McClean whipped in a dangerous in-swinging corner that was met by an unmarked towering Chris McCann who nodded home emphatically on the stroke of half time.

Wigan began the second half as they finished the first with large amounts of possession and a certain amount of purpose going forward. The goal on half time gave Malky Mackay’s side a much needed boost of belief and it certainly showed in th second half as they were the better side for large periods of the game.

Ben Watson came close with a header that went narrowly wide before James McClean’s effort forced former Spurs keeper Heurelho Gomes into a smart save.

However it was Watford who had the last laugh. Ikechi Anya played provider once more as his teasing cross from the right was met by an oncoming Troy Deeney who headed in his and Watford’s second of the game 8 minutes from time.

The result keeps Slavisa Jokanovic’s side propping up the top 6 as Malky Mackay and Wigan Athletic still find themselves in 23rd, 4 points from safety.

Wigan host fellow strugglers Rotheram United on Saturday in what has turned into a relegation 6 pointer. Will the Latics turn the season around on Saturday?