Wigan 0 Fulham 0: Wigan and Fulham each nudged a point closer to Premiership survival after dredging up a goalless draw of almost unimaginable tedium at a drizzly JJB Stadium today.
Latics chairman Dave Whelan had slashed admission prices in a bid to boost attendances but on this evidence he may have to pay fans to attend next season's equivalent top-flight fixture.
After Emile Heskey had squandered the best chance in the fifth minute when he aimed a header straight at Antti Niemi, neither side was able to fashion a single on-target shot between them.
Chris Coleman's men had plainly headed north seeking the point which almost guarantees their safety, and offered nothing other than Papa Bouba Diop's prod over the bar.
It was all frustrating for the home side, who had put daylight between themselves and the drop zone on the back of two straight wins, and had started confident of continuing that success.
It was no wonder, as Coleman's sinking side had faded after a bright start to the season and just one away win in 15 previous attempts made them the Premiership's worst travellers.
The home side were given freedom to assert early pressure, David Unsworth's low third-minute cross just eluding both Heskey and Caleb Folan in front of goal.
Antonio Valencia's tenacity secured Wigan a second chance two minutes later when he dispossessed Franck Queudrue on the right flank and crossed to Heskey, who headed straight at Niemi.
Alexey Smertin needed a timely interception to prevent Denny Landzaat enjoying a free run into the box as Jewell's men continue to show plenty of attacking endeavour.
Fulham, however, looked feeble, and must remain grateful for their impressive early form for keeping them hovering just above the relegation dogfight.
There were worrying moments for the home side in the 28th minute when Folan, who was called up by Ireland for the first time last week, was stretchered off after an accidental clash with Carlos Bocanegra.
Folan appeared to have fallen awkwardly on his right ankle and was immediately replaced by Henri Camara, although early indications were he had suffered nothing more than bruising.
With the home side losing their momentum and the visitors clearly settled for holding out for a point, the game descended into a dreadfully unambitious encounter.
What few chances there were came from Wigan. Substitute Camara did his best to create an opening in the 57th minute when he sent Heskey scuttling through but Niemi beat him to the ball.
Wigan perked up one minute later when Valencia's first cross bobbled dangerously across the face of goal, and moments later his second struck Camara who was unable to deflect it into an unguarded net.
