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Roque Santa Cruz took his tally against Wigan to five for the season as Rovers eased to victory at Ewood Park.

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The Paraguayan opened the scoring with a simple header after Chris Kirkland could only parry a David Bentley drive.

Marlon King levelled from the spot after Christopher Samba had been sent off for a tug on Emile Heskey.

But Jason Roberts restored the lead before Santa Cruz headed the third against a Wigan side who had Wilson Palacios dismissed for two bookings.

Before either the game or crowd had warmed up, Wigan suffered an early scare as Kirkland fell heavily in taking a cross.

The Latics keeper was able to continue after lengthy treatment, but his troubles clearly persuaded Blackburn and Bentley in particular to adopt a shoot-on-sight policy.

The England winger had his first effort on eight minutes, shooting from 35 yards and forcing a low, laboured save from Kirkland.

Three minutes later he fired in another from long range and with Kirkland only able to parry, Santa Cruz reacted first to head home his 17th of the season and fourth against Wigan.

Wigan, who had not conceded in their four previous matches, did not manage their first shot until the 15th minute – Palacios volleying at Brad Friedel from 30 yards – yet two minutes later they were level.