Derby 0 Wigan 0: Latics end five-match losing run with a goalless draw at promotion-chasing Rams
Relegation battlers will be disappointed not to take all three points from Pride Park as Will Grigg spurns first-half chances
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WIGAN ended their five-match losing run with a goalless draw at promotion-chasing Derby.
But they will be disappointed not to have taken three valuable points in their Championship relegation scrap.
The Latics could have been out of sight by the break at Pride Park.
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Will Grigg hit the post from a corner before Darren Bent cleared off the line from Jake Buxton’s follow-up effort.
And Rams keeper Scott Carson was on hand to deny Grigg when he was sent through one-on-one.
Derby – who saw a run of five consecutive home wins ended – were better after the break as Tom Ince forced Jussi Jaaskelainen into a smart save.
Will Hughes then stabbed just wide from close range as watertight Wigan held firm for a well-deserved point.
And Rams boss Steve McClaren was frustrated by his side’s toothless form in front of goal – with Chris Martin out on loan at Fulham.
The former England boss said: “I've made it clear how I like Chris Martin. If I had my choice when I first came in, he would still be here.
“I’ve said all along that if there’s any possibility of bringing him back in January, we’ll do that.”
The draw extends Derby's unbeaten run to 10 matches, but leaves them seventh in the table – a point off the play-off places.
Wigan remain just one place off the bottom of the table, five points behind 21st-placed Cardiff.
Latics manager Warren Joyce said: “I’m disappointed we didn’t capitalise on the chances we created.”