Wigan Athletic are holding Belgian side SV Zulte Waregem after a goalless first half in their Europa League clash.

Owen Coyle's side began the match brightly and went close in the fourth minute when James McArthur fired a powerful shot narrowly over from the edge of the box.

Jordi Gomez and Nick Powell got into good shooting positions soon after but both sliced their efforts off-target.

The Latics enjoyed the better possession during the opening 30 minutes and almost took the lead when Jordi Gomez picked out Grant McCann in the box, but his effort was deflected wide.

The hosts began to come into the game and with 10 minutes remaining of the half, Thorgan Hazard's shot was deflected behind for a corner.

Two minutes later Waregem came closest to breaking the deadlock when James McClean headed a corner against his own crossbar.

Scott Carson was called into action just before the break when he saved a powerful shot from Ibrahima Conte after McCann had been dispossessed by Hazard.