Promotion-chasing Wigan strengthened their bid for a place in the Premiership as Leeds' play-off ambitions collapsed amid scenes of bitter in-fighting.

Paul Jewell's high-fliers are back to within three points of leaders Ipswich following a typically classy, yet combative display against a thoroughly-outplayed Leeds side.

Nathan Ellington's 19th goal of a prolific campaign in his 22nd match set Wigan on their way in a one-sided first half, while Lee McCulloch and Jason Roberts can argue the merits over who poached the second 10 minutes after the interval.

That is certain to be a friendly discussion in comparison to the feuding that unfolded on and off the pitch within what appeared to be a less-than-United Leeds team who suffered their worst Coca-Cola Championship defeat of the season when Alan Mahon added a stunning third.

Gary Kelly and Sean Gregan were initially involved in a heated war-of-words early in an opening 45 minutes throughout which Leeds' defence were torn apart at will in front of a season-high JJB Stadium crowd of 17,177.

Then within seconds of the whistle sounding for half-time, it is understood a further altercation took place in the Leeds dressing room, with riot police seen hurtling toward the tunnel area.

Such dissent flew in the face of the team spirit and unity Blackwell has long preached exists at the club, and it may be Leeds must now start to look towards next season for a return to the top flight.

Wigan, in stark contrast, were imperious from start to finish and fully deserving of the three points they never looked like relinquishing once Ellington side-footed home a low Gary Teale cross that threaded its way past three Leeds defenders.

How the Latics failed to add to their tally before the interval will remain a mystery as chances came and went, notably for McCulloch who missed two sitters, while goalkeeper Neil Sullivan made two superb saves to deny Jimmy Bullard and the lively Roberts.

The striker thought he was off the mark just before the break after stealing in front of Sullivan to steer home a low Teale drive, only for the linesman's flag to intervene.

He will be claiming his 16th, though, after appearing to get a decisive touch on the line to McCulloch's goal-bound header in meeting a Bullard corner, and from that moment the game was over as a contest.

To underline Leeds' indiscipline, there were bookings either side of that for striker Rob Hulse for dissent after being denied a penalty claim, as well as for midfield debutant Shaun Derry just over 24 hours after completing a move from Crystal Palace.

It was not until the 72nd minute Leeds finally mustered their first chance when Frazer Richardson, a substitute for Jermaine Wright eight minutes earlier, curled a 15-yard shot just over the bar.

David Healy also headed into the arms of the underworked John Filan soon after, but in between Wigan finished off their demoralised visitors with their third goal.

Roberts first twisted and turned his way past Kelly and Richardson before beating Sullivan with a side-foot shot, which to the keeper's good fortune came back to him off the post.

But Leeds' respite was shortlived because just 30 seconds later Mahon drilled home a stunning 30-yard strike for his seventh goal of the season to complete a sorry afternoon for Blackwell.

Teams

Wigan Filan, Eaden, Breckin, Jackson, Baines, Teale, Bullard, Mahon, McCulloch, Roberts (Graham 83), Ellington (Jarrett 87).

Subs Not Used: Walsh, Wright, Whalley.

Booked: Roberts.

Goals: Ellington 10, Roberts 56, Mahon 75.

Leeds Sullivan, Kelly, Carlisle, Butler, Gray, Wright (Richardson 63), Gregan, Derry, Lennon, Hulse, Healy.

Subs Not Used: Ricketts, Walton, Johnson, Deane.

Booked: Hulse, Derry.

Att: 17,177

Ref: P Joslin (Nottinghamshire).