Wigan recorded their first ever win at Division One level while Burnley's misery extended to a third straight defeat at Turf Moor.
Goals by Peter Kennedy and Nathan Ellington secured Wigan their win although Burnley could feel a little hard done by after putting together their best attacking performance this term.
Wigan scored with the game's first shot on-target after 13 minutes, Kennedy firing low and hard past Brian Jenson after Lee McCulloch had played a clever dummy to allow Andy Liddell's cross to slip beyond the Burnley back line.
Wigan lost both McCulloch and defender Steve McMillan to injury before half-time but did not let it affect their defensive resolve that was certainly put to the test in the second half.
Ian Moore was denied by a brilliant block tackle by visiting skipper Matt Jackson while John Filan pulled of a breathtaking point blank save to keep out Paul Weller.
Burnley's best chance fell to top scorer Robbie Blake who blazed over from ten yards after being set up by Glen Little.
Wigan made sure of the points when the player they call the Duke, striker Ellington, was in the right place at the right time, to bundle home a corner from Jimmy Bullard 13 minutes from time.
Burnley still had time to hit the bar through substitute Richard Chaplow but this was never going to be the Clarets' day.