Martinez revs up for late escape

Wigan left the pitch to the sounds of The Great Escape theme after their second win in a week, but their path to freedom is barred by giants in the next three crucial games.

Saturday’s trip to Champions League contenders Chelsea is followed by matches with Manchester United and Arsenal as hopeful Wigan remain second bottom of the Premier League with games running out.

But their spirits, already lifted by a famous victory at Liverpool, were sent soaring once more as Paraguayan centre-half Antolin Alcaraz and blossoming star Victor Moses put lacklustre Stoke to the sword with second-half goals.