Goalless in derby
Latics and Bury fought out a nervy goalless opening half in their npower League One relegation battle at rainswept Gigg Lane.
Chances were at a premium in a match which was massively important to both sides.
Chances were at a premium in a match which was massively important to both sides.
After a tentative opening from both sides, Latics created the first clear-cut chance in the ninth minute.
Korey Smith released Cristian Montano (pictured) on the left of the box and his angled shot was saved low to his left by keeper Cameron Belford.
That was quickly followed by Bury's first opening as Nicky Ajose cut in from the left before unleashing a powerful drive which was parried by keeper Dean Bouzanis before the rebound was scrambled behind for a corner.
Bury produced a period of sustained pressure around the half-hour and Latics were forced to defend with great resolution.
There was also a modicum of luck when Andy Bishop headed just wide from Ajose's corner with Bouzanis beaten.
Lee Croft saw a long-range drive fly narrowly wide as Latics produced a forward raid.
Then just before half time, Robbie Simpson headed narrowly over from Montano's left-wing cross.
Korey Smith released Cristian Montano (pictured) on the left of the box and his angled shot was saved low to his left by keeper Cameron Belford.
That was quickly followed by Bury's first opening as Nicky Ajose cut in from the left before unleashing a powerful drive which was parried by keeper Dean Bouzanis before the rebound was scrambled behind for a corner.
Bury produced a period of sustained pressure around the half-hour and Latics were forced to defend with great resolution.
There was also a modicum of luck when Andy Bishop headed just wide from Ajose's corner with Bouzanis beaten.
Lee Croft saw a long-range drive fly narrowly wide as Latics produced a forward raid.
Then just before half time, Robbie Simpson headed narrowly over from Montano's left-wing cross.
Half-time: Bury 0, Latics 0.