Chesterfield and Wigan cancelled each other out in a game of few chances at Saltergate.
The closest either side came to scoring was when Spireites midfielder Chris Brandon saw a low drive well saved by Latics keeper John Filan, but a draw was a fair result as Wigan remained top of the second division.
The best effort in an uninspiring first half came from Wigan's record buy Nathan Ellington. The former Bristol Rovers front man cut inside from the last and fired a ferocious, curling effort into the sidenetting.
The game improved after the break as Wigan pushed the home side back with a series of attacks.
First the leaders appeared to have a good shout for a penalty turned down when Stephen McMillan went down in the box.
Then Jason De Vos saw his downward header from six yards cleared of the line by Chesterfield sub Marcus Ebdon after an hour.
Andy Liddell headed wide when well placed before the match entered a frantic period of stoppage time during which either side could have won it.
Ellington had a low shot saved by Carl Muggleton as an unmarked Jason Jarrett called for the ball at the back post before Filan's last-gasp heroics.
But defeat would have been harsh on Wigan in a well fought game.
Afterwards Chesterfield boss Dave Rushbury said: "There was only one team going to win it at the end. We are getting fitter and stronger and that showed.
"We've got to be happy with that performance because Wigan are a tough, well-organised team."
Wigan boss Paul Jewell said: "It wasn't our day but at least we didn't lose. That point might be valuable for us at the end of the season.
"If we can earn draws away from home and win our home games we will be there or thereabouts in May."