Wigan failed to break down Queens Park Rangers as their Championship play-off tie was left hanging in the balance.
Armand Traore went closest for QPR.
However, Rangers skipper Clint Hill was lucky not to concede a penalty in the opening stages after appearing to elbow Latics defender Rob Kiernan.
e result leaves the semi-final perfectly poised ahead of the second leg at Loftus Road on Monday.
Both clubs were relegated from the Premier League last season and know the play-offs are their last chance to secure an instant return back to the top-flight.
While QPR have hovered around the top four throughout the season, Wigan made a late surge into the top six under German boss Uwe Rosler
But they headed into the play-offs on the back of three defeats in four matches and, despite shading possession, appeared to lack confidence in the final third.
Without top scorer Nick Powell through tonsillitis, Wigan did create an early chance when centre-back Caldwell planted a free header into the hands of QPR keeper Green from Gomez's corner.
A scrappy first half was littered with stoppages and yellow cards, but almost ended in a Wigan goal when Spanish midfielder Gomez chested down a long ball from the back before seeing his low drive blocked by Green.
Hoops boss Harry Redknapp pledged before kick-off that his team would "have a go" at their hosts, but that failed to materialise in the opening 45 minutes as his team prioritised keeping a clean sheet.
Lone striker Charlie Austin found himself isolated for the visitors, who went closest when right-midfielder Traore met Junior Hoilett's precise left-wing cross with a firm header that lacked direction.
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