Arecord low attendance at Selhurst Park of 1,941, watched Wimbledon suffer the indignity of a goalless home draw against Second Division Wigan, as a host of missed chances left the home side chasing a difficult Worthington Cup second round second leg at the JJB Stadium.

Wigan, at times outclassed by the Dons, clung desperately for a well-earned draw.

The home side conspired to miss six clear-cut opportunities in the first half as a Dons side missing influential players Jason Euell, Marcus Gayle and Neil Ardley struggled to overcome a spirited Wigan outfit.

The Dons dominated the game for large periods of the match, with experienced midfielder Michael Thomas and youngster Damien Francis running the game from the centre of the park.

Paul Robinson, making his first start of the season, and John Hartson were the main culprits as both front-men spurned opportunities.

Hartson went close on three minutes with a header but his effort was saved by Wigan keeper Roy Carroll.

The Welshman was also left frustrated when he hit a free-kick round the post on 18 minutes and then after a reaction save from Carroll four minutes from the interval.

Robinson failed to test the keeper in the 39th minute as he blasted over from close range and then deposited two weak headers either side of half time.

For all their territorial dominance and possession, the Dons could have thrown the game away in the second half.

Wimbledon full-back Duncan Jupp was forced to make a last ditch clearance in the 55th minute, as midfielder Andy Liddell waited to pounce on the loose ball and on 70 minutes Simon Haworth could not steer a close-range header into the net following a testing cross by Scott Green.

As the clock ticked down Wimbledon became increasingly frustrated with passes going astray.

Despite their finishing limitations, Hartson engineered a goal-scoring chance for the Dons, as he powered into the box on 77 minutes. However, his looping header was plucked out of the air by half-time substitute Derek Stillie.

[ --- news.bbc.co.uk]