Jussi Jaaskailenan produced a man of the match display

It was a frustrating afternoon at the DW Stadium as Wigan were held to a goalless draw by League One strugglers Oldham Athletic.

Promotion chasing Wigan produced a flat performance, with maybe one eye on next week’s big game at Walsall.

It was second bottom Oldham who went closest during the opening period when Carl Winchester’s 30 yard strike was superbly saved by Jussi Jaaskailenan.

Wigan were better in the second half and went close through Yanic Wildschut, Will Grigg and Conor McAleny. But Oldham worked hard throughout and deserved to take a share in the points.

Wigan started brightly and Will Grigg nearly scored an opportunistic goal in the opening minutes as Oldham’s John Coleman spilled a shot, but the keeper recovered just in time.

McAleny then fired just wide of  Coleman’s right hand post after good work by Wildschut.

On 19 minutes Wigan won a free kick on the edge of the area. McAleny chipped the ball over the wall but unfortunately into the side netting.

The visitors produced a stunning counter attack on 25 minutes when Carl Winchester’s 30 yard effort flew towards the top corner of Wigan’s goal, but Jussi Jaaskelainen superbly tipped the ball over the crossbar.

Just before the interval Oldham tested Jaaskelainen first from a Fonte volley, and then from distance by Winchester.

Wigan dominated possession for long periods of the second half, but they struggled to break down a well drilled and resilient away team.

The home team did create several good chances however.

First Wildschut broke clear on the left hand side and fired an effort at Coleman. Top scorer Will Grigg drew a fine save from the Oldham keeper and McAleny was unable to capitalise on more good work by Wildschut.

But Oldham always looked dangerous on the break.

With 13 minutes remaining Matt Palmer’s effort from range went narrowly wide of the post, and soon afterwards Danny Lafferty forced another good save from Jaaskelainen.

Wigan continued to dominate possession and to press for the winner, but Oldham defended admirably and deserved their share of the spoils.