And the experienced showed in the early stages as Latics attacked the game and forced a young Rovers side on the back foot.
The first chance of the match fell to Bulgarian international Svetoslav Todorov who volleyed the ball over the bar from the edge of the area just four minutes in.
Latics kept up the pressure moments later when young midfielder Peter Moore struck a long range effort only for it to fly straight into the arms of Rovers goalkeeper Frank Fielding.
However Wigan failed to capitalise on their chances and poor finishing let
Rovers' Keith Treacy started to influence the game, resulting in good link up play with striker Joe Garner and low drive that tested John Filan upon his return to his former club.
Four minutes before the break Rovers got the breakthrough. Irishman Treacy sent a free-kick into the area and Joe Garner volleyed the ball high into the back of the net past a crowd of players to make it 1-0.
Latics came out strong after half time despite losing veteran keeper John Filan through a groin injury. Minutes in, Svetoslav Todorov latched onto a through ball before blazing his attempt high over the bar when one on one with the keeper.
And after riding out yet more pressure from Treacy and Garner, Latics pulled it out of the bag with an opportune equaliser at the death.
Good wing play resulted in a deflection into the path of Andreas Johansson who drove the ball into the corner of the net for his second reserve goal of the season with just a minute to go.
The squad now take a break over the busy Christmas period giving the first team some well needed backup.
The reserves' next game is at home to Sheffield United on the 17th January at the Robin Park Arena. Kick off at 7.30pm.
Teams:
Unused Subs: Woods, Somodi, Rowntree, Thomson.
Unused Subs: Smith, McArdle.
Goals:
Attendance: 189