Wigan huffed and puffed at the JJB Stadium but were unable to break down a resilient Cheltenham side under the stewardship of Bobby Gould.
Nearest pursuers Crewe Alexandra blew it at home to Northampton Town after seemingly holding an iron grip on the match after goals within the space of two minutes from Steve Jones and Dave Vaughan.
Veteran striker Marco Gabbiadini reduced the deficit with a penalty on the cusp of half-time before Richard Hope bagged an equaliser on 63 minutes.
Jones' second on 70 minutes restored Crewe's advantage but Derek Asamoah halted the Cobblers' three-game losing run with an 81st minute leveller.
Bristol City were unable to make up any ground on Crewe after being forced to settle for a stalemate at Blackpool.
Luton missed the chance to move into the play-off spots after being held to a 1-1 draw by Peterborough at London Road.
The visitors got off to a perfect start with Steven Howard firing them in front after just 12 minutes but the home side drew level six minutes before the break with Neale Fenn netting.
Tranmere Rovers closed in on a spot in the top six with a home win over Port Vale which was secured courtesy of Sean McClare's own goal just past the half-hour mark.
Plymouth Argyle kept their play-off hopes alive, too, after battling past relegation-haunted Mansfield.
Liam Lawrence put through his own net after just two minutes but made amends on 11 minutes to haul Mansfield level.
Martin Phillips nudged The Pilgrims back in front on 68 minutes and Micky Evans wrapped up the win with six minutes remaining.
Barnsley have now won just once in ten attempts after being held at home to improving Swindon Town.
Rory Fallon gave The Tykes the lead on 14 minutes but Danny Invincible earned the hosts a share of the spoils on 34 minutes.
Wycombe Wanderers' recent indifferent form was put behind them as they convincingly beat Notts County.
A quick-fire Richard Harris double put Wycombe in command and Stuart Roberts tightened their control of the game before the hour mark, with The Magpies only having a Mark Stallard consolation to show for their endeavour.
Stockport County came agonisingly close to climbing away from the bottom four after Luke Beckett's 24th goal of the season in the first half.
But Colchester nicked a point with two minutes remaining through Joe Keith to ensure the axe still hovers over Carlton Palmer's head.
Click below for an individual match summary:
Barnsley 1-1 Swindon
Blackpool 0-0 Bristol City
Crewe 3-3 Northampton
Peterborough 1-1 Luton Town
Plymouth 3-1 Mansfield
Stockport 1-1 Colchester
Tranmere 1-0 Port Vale
Wigan 0-0 Cheltenham
Wycombe 3-1 Notts County
