Doncaster Rovers earn praise from Wigan boss Caldwell after 3-1 win

It was Rovers' first victory in 18 games following one of the worst runs in the club's history and it ended top-of-the-table Wigan's proud run of 20 matches without defeat.

The visitors' misery was complete when they had midfielder David Perkins sent off in the 85th minute for a professional foul when he was the last defender.

Caldwell said: "It's a bad day for us but Doncaster were the better team and deserved to win the game - it's as simple as that.

"We just weren't good enough and it was a poor performance at a time when we didn't really need it. We lacked a bit of composure and struggled all day.

"I've no complaints about the sending off either. He was the last man and the rule is in those circumstances you have to go."

Caldwell added: "We had our best spell when we got the ball down in play but it wasn't to be and we can't have any complaints.

"We didn't defend good enough at corners and that's why they scored their first two goals.

"It's disappointing but we have to take it on the chin and go again."

Doncaster were the better side in the first half but failed to find the net and were punished when Will Grigg headed home at the far post after a right-wing cross from Yanic Wildschut.

But the home side came out for the second half with all guns blazing and Andy Butler equalised with a thundering header at the far post from a 50th-minute corner before firing Rovers in front when he forced the ball home four minutes later following another corner.

Doncaster deservedly wrapped up the points with a firmly-struck 88th-minute penalty from Andy Williams after Perkins had been dismissed for hauling down Gary McSheffrey.