MANAGER Malky Mackay declared his pride in Wigan Athletic’s performance against a Cherries side he lauded as “the best team in the division”.

Callum Wilson’s controversial opener, the first of a double which sandwiched Yann Kermorgant’s opportunist strike, helped Cherries to a commanding position at the DW Stadium.

Leon Clarke’s goal prompted a brief Wigan flurry but Eddie Howe’s men comfortably saw out a 3-1 victory to maintain their slender advantage at the Championship summit.

But Mackay insisted the decision not to halt Wilson’s free run at Ali Al Habsi’s goal in the 37th minute had proved costly for his struggling side.

“We immediately looked at it and when Yann Kermorgant flicked it on he (Wilson) was two yards offside,” said Mackay.

“That was really disappointing because it took the wind out of our sails. Until then the game had been pretty even.

“We had hit the bar, James McClean had another one and Leon Clarke had two chances, while Bournemouth had two or three as well.

“It really deflated the team and we gave away a very soft goal right on half-time but we were so disappointed with the decision from the assistant referee (for the first).”

Wigan remain second bottom and seven points from safety after relegation rivals Brighton, Millwall and Blackpool all lost.

“When you play a Bournemouth side that is as good as anyone in the division then it is probably the best day for that to happen,” added Mackay.

“We came up against the best team in the division as far as I am concerned, a team that I think will be promoted.

“On the back of our performance against Ipswich, playing like that against the top team gives me hope for this new group of players once they integrate.”