Relegation-threatened Wigan routs Newcastle 4-0

(AP Photo/Clint Hughes)

WIGAN, England (AP) Wigan followed its victories over Manchester United and Arsenal with a 4-0 demolition of Newcastle on Saturday to move three points clear of the Premier League relegation zone.

Newcastle had won six straight matches to move into fourth place but Wigan, which looked certain to be relegated just over a month ago, followed recent wins over Liverpool, United and Arsenal with four first-half goals.

Victor Moses headed Wigan into the lead in the 13th minute and made it 2-0 two minutes later after Magpies defender Fabricio Coloccini failed to clear the ball and left his opponent with a simple finish from a loose ball.

Shaun Maloney rounded off a team move with a finish from a tight angle on the left and Franco Di Santo struck a fourth goal in first-half injury time with a curling shot from outside the area.

Wigan now has 37 points with two games remaining, three more than Queens Park Rangers and Bolton immediately below it and the same as Aston Villa.

Updated April 28, 2012