Wigan 0-0 Rotherham: Latics and Millers play out goalless draw on final day

Thelo Aasgaard almost scored twice as Wigan staged a strong end to the season

Wigan's patched-up squad managed a goalless draw as their troubled season came to a low-key finish against Rotherham.

Latics boss Shaun Maloney said in a pre-match interview the build up to the game had been "very difficult" adding those players who had played despite not being paid last week were a "massive credit" to the club.

A failure to pay all their players on time on a fifth occasion could lead to further action from the English Football League after they were deducted points for the four previous failures - a punishment that contributed to their relegation.

Maloney stacked his substitutes' bench with seven academy players and handed league debuts to 21-year-old goalkeeper Sam Tickle and Anthony Scully.

Thelo Aasgaard and Omar Rekik almost sent the beleaguered Wigan fans home with a smile, both coming close to beating Millers keeper Viktor Johansson as the Latics finished the stronger of the teams.

With several regular players missing, Maloney was forced into an experimental starting line-up, with centre back Jack Whatmough in midfield and James McClean at wing back.

With Rotherham relieved to have secured their Championship status by beating Middlesbrough a week ago, the first half was predictably low-key with Aasgaard's shot lacking the power to beat Johansson in Wigan's best opportunity.

The Millers had the best chances but Tickle, who had a fine debut, denied Tariqe Fosu as the Millers man burst into the box and shot, while Christ Tiehi's excellent tackle prevented a certain goal after Jamie Lindsay had also found a way through the home defence.

Tickle continued to be the star after the break, palming away a Leo Hjelde cross that was curving into the top corner and then getting down to save from a Domingos Quina effort.

Wigan ended the game strongly, despite having seven academy products on the field at the end, Aasgaard directing a free header straight at Johansson with the keeper also denying Charlie Hughes and Callum Lang.