Wigan Athletic 0 Queen's Park Rangers 0 match report: Lee Nicholls blocks the way to frustrate Harry Redknapp

Wigan goalkeeper Lee Nicholls was in inspired form (Getty Images)

Queen's Park Rangers were frustrated by young Wigan goalkeeper Lee Nicholls as their attempt to move back into the Championship's automatic promotion places ended in stalemate.

Playing in only his second league match, the 21-year-old made a series of fine saves before the break to keep the scores level. And only some last-ditch defending from Clint Hill denied the hosts all three points.

QPR felt aggrieved when Nicholls evaded punishment after appearing to pull back substitute Andrew Johnson late on, but they had to settle for a point.

Wigan had announced before kick-off that England Under-20 winger Callum McManaman had agreed a contract extension until 2017 and he was named in the starting line-up by manager Owen Coyle. QPR suffered their first league defeat of the season against Burnley on Saturday and looked set to make amends as they had the better chances during the opening period.

Gary O'Neil's effort from outside the area forced Nicholls into action just after the half-hour mark, while Charlie Austin scuffed a great opportunity minutes later following a cross from Alejandro Faurlin.

Jordi Gomez came closest to finding a way through for Wigan just before half-time, only for his shot to miss the target narrowly. Chris McCann's header that cannoned back off the post was the closest either side came to winning it in the second half, with QPR thankful for Hill's goal-line clearance late on.

The result leaves Harry Redknapp's side in third place, four points adrift of leaders Burnley, while Wigan moved up a place to 13th.