New signing Reece Wabara scored his first goal for Latics

Bottom club Crewe denied promotion chasing Wigan with resolute defending and a little slice of luck.

Latics new signing Reece Wabara gave Latics the lead on 16 minutes with a superb strike from 20 yards, but Crewe drew level against the run of play with a quick counter attack well finished by Brad Inman.

The Alex might have gone ahead soon afterwards when Ryan Colclough struck the Latics bar from the edge of the area. Latics dominated possession and created numerous chances but were ultimately unable to get the winner.

Latics move up to fourth spot in the table and Crewe remain rooted to the bottom despite their sterling efforts.

Gary Caldwell made two changes from last Saturday’s victory over Chesterfield, with Yanic Wildschut and Chris McCann replacing Haris Vuckic and the injured Reece James.

Wigan dominated the early stages but they might have gone behind when Ryan Colclough shot was well saved by Jussi Jaaskelainen.

Latics went ahead on 16 minutes through new signing Reece Wabara.

Wing-back Wabara played a one-two with Max Power before producing a quality first time strike to beat Ben Garratt from 20 yards.

Latics were now well on top and looking to add to their lead.

In quick succession, Jordy Hiwula, Michael Jacobs and Yanic Wildschut all had good opportunities well saved by Garratt.

However, Wigan’s momentum came to halt soon after Jacobs was stretchered off with a calf strain and replaced by Haris Vuckic.

Just before the break Crewe drew level following a quick breakaway from a Latics corner.

Bradden Inman found far too much space down the right hand side and produced a stunning rising shot past Jaaskelainen.

Then Crewe almost went ahead when Colclough smashed his curled effort against the crossbar from 25 yards.

The second half was mainly one way traffic however as Latics pressed for the winning goal and Crewe defended in numbers.

Latics were very unlucky when Wildschut looked to have regained them the lead on 55 minutes when he cut inside and unleashed a superb drive which beat Garratt, but unfortunately the ball crashed against the inside of the upright and away to safety.

Wildschut was causing Crewe plenty of problems and on 60 minutes he combined well with Chris McCann, but the keeper saved the shot with his feet before getting quickly back up to save the follow-up header.

Latics produced wave after wave of attacks but Crewe sat deep and hoped to hit Latics on the break.

Caldwell replaced Hiwula and Vuckic with Will Grigg and Craig Davies as they continued their onslaught on the home defence.

A Max Power corner evaded keeper Garratt and with the goal at his mercy Wildschut somehow headed over the crossbar.

Wabara fired across the six yard box, but no Wigan player was able to make the vital contact. Davies rolled his defender in the area and appealed for a penalty, but it would have been harsh decision, if given.

As the game moved into added time Latics upped the pressure with Davies and Power shooting from distance but Garratt was once again in position to save and earn Crewe a hard fought point.