Chester FC displayed an encouraging defensive mettle to hold last season's League One champions Wigan Athletic to a goalless draw.

The Blues had to work hard to contain the visitors at times with both Liam Roberts and Jon Worsnop making saves to preserve the clean-sheet, although James Alabi and Kane Richards went close for the home side.

Wigan named a strong team including ex-Premier League defenders Stephen Warnock and Ryan Taylor, who is on trial at the DW Stadium, and new recruits Alex Gilbey and Dan Burn.

There was no place for former Manchester United midfielder Nick Powell or cult hero Will Grigg, although Gala's Freed From Desire blasting over the PA offered some solace to those hoping to hear the chant he inspired.

Wigan made a strong start to the contest with Michael Jacobs dragging a shot wide before Roberts kept out a Craig Davies header from Warnock's cross.

Roberts then denied Dutch forward Yanic Wildschut but the compact Blues frustrated them for much of the first-half.

Johnny Hunt curled a free-kick wide for Chester while Taylor had Roberts scrambling with a similar attempt at the other end as Gilbey and David Perkins couldn't find the target.

But the best chance of the opening 45 minutes fell to the hosts when Alabi found himself clean through on goal, however Latics keeper Lee Nicholls saved well from close range.

Wigan made 10 changes for the second period although there was little change in the pattern of the game with Gary Caldwell's moving the ball well but unable to breach Chester's backline.

Wales midfielder Emyr Huws brought a save out of Worsnop from 20 yards and Jason Pearce headed wide from a corner before Sam Cosgrove blasted over when well-placed from Sanmi Odelusi’s drag back.

Huws tested Worsnop with a bending free-kick but again it was the Blues who came closest to finding a goal when Richards chased down a poor back-pass and Nicholls' clearance rebounded off the forward before bouncing inches wide of the post.

Worsnop did well to prevent Ryan Colclough opening the scoring when the winger swooped on Joe Heath's loose pass and Chester substitute Rakim Newton scuffed a shot wide from 20 yards late on.

Talking points

Defensive shape: There was a lot to be pleased with from a defensive perspective as the Blues made it difficult for Wigan to create clear-cut scoring opportunities. With the midfield four providing excellent support and the full-backs helping to keep things compact, Chester were a tough nut to crack. Blaine Hudson and Ryan Astles look to be developing a good partnership and the latter in particular impressed against his former club. There's been a big focus on shape and defensive organisation in training so it will be very pleasing for Jon McCarthy and Ian Sharps to see that work put into practice.

Match stats

Chester FC: Roberts (Worsnop 45), Vassell (Evans 65), Hudson (Nevitt 85), Astles, Horwood (Heath 65), Mahon (Exell 85), George (Hughes 75), Joyce (Newton 75), Hunt (Waters 65), Chapell (Durrell 45), Alabi (Richards 45).

Wigan first-half: Nicholls, Taylor, Warnock. Morgan, Burn, Perkins, Gilbey, Power, Jacobs, Wildschut, Davies.

Wigan second-half: Nicholls, Daniels, Hendrick, Pearce (Whitehead 75), Taylor, Morsy, Chow, Huws, Colclough, Odelusi, Cosgrove.

Subs not used: Lavercombe.

Referee: Michael Salisbury (Preston).

Attendance: 1,180.

Star man: Ryan Astles.