AN Emile Heskey strike on 38 minutes was all Wigan needed to bring a dose of reality to Premiership newcomers Reading at the JJB Stadium yesterday. It was the home side who had the first chance in the fourth minute when Henri Camara flicked into the path of Emile Heskey whose 18-yard shot flew a yard past the post.

The Royals swiftly responded, with Leroy Lita unleashing a low drive from the edge of the area which forced a smart save from England international Kirkland. With Camara looking lively, the Senegal forward had to come off in the 21st minute with what appeared to be a hamstring injury with David Connolly coming into the game.

Heskey then became the first player booked by referee Mike Riley in the 24th minute after Wigan's club record signing at £5.5million scythed down Ivar Ingimarsson. Wigan were certainly the more inventive, and their greater flair paid off in the 39th minute with Heskey scoring his first goal for the club.

Paul Scharner, Denny Landzaat and McCulloch combined, with the latter's through ball feeding Heskey for a dinked flick past the advancing Hahnemann.

The Royals finally created a chance of note in the 54th minute with Icelander Ingimarsson flicking a header wide of the far post froma Nicky Shorey corner.

It was Wigan's turn to respond, and they did so five minutes later with McCulloch rippling the sidenetting with a rasping drive after quickly latching on to a throw from Leighton Baines.

Within a minute, Wigan should have wrapped up the victory as Heskey was again sent clear, this time via a combination of McCulloch and Holland international Landzaat.

Heskey showed intuition in lobbing the advancing Hahnemann, only to watch in despair as his 16-yard effort landed on the roof of the net.

Reading strained for an equaliser late on but couldn't come up with the goods.