Manager Lee Johnson was disappointed to see his team concede in additional time to draw but couldn't fault his players for their work ethic.
Gary Harkins had given Latics the lead early in the second half but Harry Davis headed home in stoppage time to hand Crewe a share of the spoils.
After the game, the gaffer said: "It was disappointing not to get the three points because I thought the lads were quality. We were very stong, compact and powerful on the break. I thought we deserved to win. We frustrated them, gradually took over the game and had three or four chances that we should have finished off but we didn't.
"It was difficult conditions on a heavy pitch. I'm proud and pleased but gutted with the sucker-punch. When there is seven minutes of injury time, it enabled them to do a lot of launch ball tactics. They then got the corner and we just couldn't hold onto it."
Harkins added his fifth goal of the season for Latics since joining in January and Johnson heaped heavy praise on the Scotsman.
"I thought Gary was excellent all game. There was another chance where he went inside and out and was unlucky not to score but he took his goal well," continued the 32-year-old. "I thought there were five or six out there today that were superb. I feel sorry for the lads really because the desire was there and I think everyone could see that we really gave it a go."
The manager handed a debut to new loan signing Joel Byrom and was pleased with his performance. "I thought Joel played very well. He was nice and composed and tidied things up well. He made the right decisions so I was pleased for him," said the boss, before adding: "We've just got to build from this performance. It was a great turnout by the fans. They will have enjoyed the performance but I'm sure they are as gutted as us all with the last goal.
Watch the full interview on Latics Player.