Sam Hoskins fired Town ahead on 16 minutes when he converted a penalty brilliantly won by striker Kieron Bowie.
The Cobblers held on their lead until the 64th minute, when the visitors got the equaliser their slick passing football probably warranted through a close-range finish from Northern Ireland international striker Josh Magennis.
Town weren’t at their best as an attacking force, but showed great heart and discipline to restrict Wigan to minimal chances. Here are our player ratings from Sixfields...
9. Sam Hoskins
Hoskins took his goal tally for the season to 13 with his first-half penalty, and also moved up to joint eighth in the club's all-time scoring charts. Showed flashes of what he is all about, but wasn't at his best after a near three-week lay-off... 6.5 Photo: Pete Norton
10. Tyreece Simpson
It was a day when chances for strikers on both sides were hard to come by, but Simpson didn't let that deter him. Chased everything and hassled the Wigan defence the whole time he was on the pitch. A couple of decent strikes on goal in the second half too... 7 Photo: Pete Norton
11. Kieron Bowie
Bowie was razor sharp from the off, and did brilliantly to seize possession and win the penalty in the first half. Always showed for the ball, linked play well, and never stopped working. Will be frustrated he didn't get any scoring chances of note. Still pushed McGowan close for the star man award... 7.5 Photo: Pete Norton
12. Manny Monthe
Brought on when Jon Brady switched to a back three, and the move helped the Cobblers regain a foothold in the game after Wigan's equaliser. They barely created a chance in the final 20 minutes or so... 6.5 Photo: Pete Norton