Goalless opening half
Latics and promotion-chasing Sheffield United fought out a goalless opening period in their npower League One match at Boundary Park.
It was a half of few goal attempts and no surprise it finished all square.
It was a half of few goal attempts and no surprise it finished all square.
The Blades had the first clear-cut chance of the match in the 12th minute following a foul by James Wesolowski about 25 yards from goal.
Right-back Tony McMahon's free kick flew into the side netting with keeper Alex Cisak scrambling across his goal.
It was proving to be a tightly-contested clash of hardly any scoring chances.
Latics had to wait until the 26th minute before they had their first clear opening when Jose Baxter fired well over the bar.
Baxter (pictured) had another chance shortly afterwards firing narrowly over from a free kick on the edge of the box.
It took until the 36th minute before either keeper was forced to make a save.
Then Cisak had to turn a far-post shot from Harry Maguire around the post for a corner following Barry Robson's free kick.
The visitors had a great chance to take the lead late in the half, but McMahon's shot was well blocked by James Tarkowski.
Then in stoppage time a long-range drive from Baxter only cleared the crossbar by a matter of inches.
Half-time: Latics 0, Sheffield United 0.
Right-back Tony McMahon's free kick flew into the side netting with keeper Alex Cisak scrambling across his goal.
It was proving to be a tightly-contested clash of hardly any scoring chances.
Latics had to wait until the 26th minute before they had their first clear opening when Jose Baxter fired well over the bar.
Baxter (pictured) had another chance shortly afterwards firing narrowly over from a free kick on the edge of the box.
It took until the 36th minute before either keeper was forced to make a save.
Then Cisak had to turn a far-post shot from Harry Maguire around the post for a corner following Barry Robson's free kick.
The visitors had a great chance to take the lead late in the half, but McMahon's shot was well blocked by James Tarkowski.
Then in stoppage time a long-range drive from Baxter only cleared the crossbar by a matter of inches.
Half-time: Latics 0, Sheffield United 0.