The home side – aiming to build on Saturday’s rare victory over rock-bottom Bromley – required a good save from goalkeeper Joe Whitworth to keep out a low shot from Mansfield’s Rhys Oates in the opening stages.

Wigan then came agonisingly close to taking the lead when a Brad Burrowes shot was blocked by team-mate Scott Hogan as it fizzed goalwards.

Burrowes should have scored in the final minute of the first half when he raced through on goal, only to blast the ball straight at Town goalkeeper Liam Roberts.

The visitors then went straight up the other end and the unmarked Michael Smith headed straight into the hands of Whitworth from six yards when it seemed easier to score.

Neither side did enough after the break to suggest they had the quality to find a winning goal, with Wigan substitute Christian Saydee having a couple of efforts well blocked by the visiting defence.