Stalemate at Charlton

The Addicks and the Latics fought out an entertaining goalless draw at the Valley – but a draw will be of little satisfaction to either team. Wigan have moved up to 14th in the Championship table but have not won away from home in eight games and desperately need to show more quality if they are to make a challenge for the play-offs. Charlton meanwhile are now unbeaten in four games, but are in 19th position precariously just above the relegation places.

Owen Coyle continues to shuffle his starting line ups with Perch, Rogne, McClean and McArthur coming in. But the manager was forced into a late change when keeper Scott Carson injured an ankle in the warm-up and substitute keeper Lee Nicholls had to step in.

Charlton had the better of the first half as Wigan looked out of sorts after their mid-week Europa Cup exploits against Rubin Kazan. The 21-year-old Nicholls had a steady game and pulled off several good saves to deny the home team.

Bradley Pritchard was twice denied by Nicholls before he missed a great opportunity on the half-hour. Cameron Stewart made his way to the byeline and pulled the ball back for Pritchard, who had a free shot from the penalty spot but sent it high over the crossbar.

Both teams lacked real quality on the ball and resorted to a succession of long balls which often ended in a loss of possession.

Latics lacklustre first half meant they rarely threatened the Addicks goal, apart from a header from Grant Holt which went straight at Ben Hamer.

The Wigan players will no doubt have received some strong words at half time from Coyle and they were much improved in the second period.

Early on Chris McCann’s near post header crashed against the crossbar and bounced to safety. Hamer then saved from Leon Barnett and Emmerson Boyce volleyed narrowly wide from a Watson corner.

James McArthur and Callum McManaman fired over from the edge of the box, Watson shot wide from a good position and Holt’s goal-bound effort was blocked by Wood as Charlton hung on for a point.