The recent revival at Exeter City enjoyed a new high on the weekend, beating Wigan Athletic 2-1 in Sky Bet League One, and a particularly sweet moment for manager Gary Caldwell.

Making his first return to the club where he starred as a player and then began his managerial career, Caldwell was looking to extend the upturn of fortunes that has steered the Grecians away from trouble after a desperate run of results in the autumn.

After beating promotion hopefuls Peterborough United in midweek, along with recent away wins at Barnsley and Bristol Rovers, Exeter worked tirelessly in their pursuit of three points, withstanding early Wigan pressure to grab the lead on ten minutes.

Prior to that, however, goalkeeper Vili Sinisalo had made two top saves for the Grecians, laying the platform for a crucial opener, as an ambitious long-range strike from Mo Eisa took a huge deflection on its journey to the onion bag.

City had something to protect, and they did it with superb grit and determination.

Wigan toiled and grew increasingly frustrated with the work-rate and defensive organisation of their visitors. Things got even worse for the Latics when Jack Aitchison doubled the City lead midway through the second period, again thanks to a hefty deflection.

The Latics did generate some hope when Charlie Kelman pulled a goal back but Exeter saw out the closing 20 minutes with the composure of a side growing in belief.  

Caldwell told the club website: "We were outstanding out of possession in the first half. Wigan gave us a lot of problems and asked us questions, but we showed character, determination and fight.

"To go away from home to Bristol, Barnsley and Wigan - those are big games in big stadiums. For us to play with that character, I am so proud of the players.

"Everything we do at the moment is working from us out of possession and working from each other."

After the midweek visit from Derby County, Exeter travel to Lincoln City and then complete February with a home game against struggling Fleetwood Town.