Wigan looked dead and buried, not just in the game, but also in the Championship with an hour gone against Barnsley on Thursday night.
They went into last night's game second from bottom of the division. A defeat would have left them seven points below safety with just four games remaining.
Instead, thanks to the goals of former Man Utd midfielder Nick Powell, Wigan are just four points behind Bristol City in 21st.
Powell came off the bench with 66 minutes elapsed against Barnsley. Five minutes later, thanks to some questionable goalkeeping, the 23-year-old had his side's first of the night. It was the first goal of an 11-minute hat-trick from Powell.
It's also the second consecutive game in which Powell has scored the winner. That was also a 3-2 win, against Rotherham at the weekend.
Encouragingly, Jack Byrne is also starting to get some game time at the club. The Dubliner made his first appearance for Wigan against Rotherham at the weekend, stepping off the bench with five minutes left.
Last night, Byrne would get some more time on the pitch. He came on as a 54th minute replacement for Callum Connolly.
What a night place was rocking !!🔵⚪️🔵⚪️
— Jack Byrne (@Jackb_8) April 13, 2017
The 20-year-old told Wigan's club website about his performance.
I thought I did alright but I’ve still got loads left in my locker. I’ve been working really hard to try and find some of the fitness I’ve lost, and I feel it’s at a level now where I can let my talent show. I’m showing improvements.
