Gavin Massey went closest for Latics

It finished all square in this hard-fought Lancashire hotpot derby as both Latics and Rovers struggled to come to terms with the blustery conditions and poor refereeing decisions at the DW Stadium.

Latics might have taken the lead in the first half when Gavin Masssey was clean through on goal but Rovers keeper David Raya easily saved his tame effort.

Early in the second half Bradley Dack had a couple of great chances for Rovers when he headed wide and volleyed over.

Rovers were reduced to 10-men on the hour mark when Elliott Bennett was given a second yellow card for simulation by referee Darren England.

The home team dominated the remaining 30 minutes but failed to capitalise on the man advantage, they went closest when Massey hit the post from the edge of the box.

Latics retained the same starting line-up from the team which won at Blackpool with Max Power keeping his place in midfield ahead of Lee Evans who was on the bench.

The windy conditions and some inconsistent refereeing decisions did not help either team in the first half but Latics had the greater possession and looked the most likely to score.

Michael Jacobs had a great opportunity to give Latics the lead but he headed Callum Elder’s cross wide of the far post.

Massey had the best chance of the half when he was clear in front of goal but his low side-footed effort was easily saved by Raya.

Dack had two good opportunities early in the second half but he first headed wide of the far post and then later volleyed over from eight yards out.

Hapless referee England got a rare decision correct when he dismissed Elliott Bennett for a second yellow card for simulation. Bennett was driving forward towards Dan Burn but when he was challenged he flung himself to the floor despite Burn not making any contact.

Latics proceeded to dominate the remaining 30 minutes with Elder forcing another good save from Raya and Ivan Toney and Max Power also going close.

With 15 minutes remaining Massey looked to have given Latics the lead but his powerful effort from the edge of the box came back off the post with Raya beaten.

Latics peppered the Rovers goal with crosses and Powell and Dunkley almost got on the end of one particularly dangerous deep cross.

Captain Sam Morsy nearly grabbed a late winner when his 30-yard effort sailed just over the crossbar but the match remained goalless.

Both teams will probably be satisfied with a draw as Latics reduced the arrears to one point on leaders Shrewsbury and maintained their unbeaten run at the DW Stadium, while Rovers stayed in touch with the play-off places and still have two games in hand on many of the teams around them.