IT was honours even at the Pirelli Stadium between the League One top two.
Wigan took the lead on eight minutes when a speculative cross from Michael Jacobs floated into the corner of McLaughlin's net catching everyone by surprise.
McAleny came close to extending the lead with a shot that squirmed past the post on 24 minutes.
The Brewers wanted a penalty on 28 minutes when Duffy appeared to be upended chasing onto a loose ball in the box but the referee waved away Albion protests.
On 38 minutes Albion equalised when Tom Naylor rose high to power  in a far post header from Matty Palmer's cross.
Half-time: 1-1
Neither team could get on top in the opening exchanges of the second half with the game played at a fierce tempo.
The Brewers had the better of the play without creating a clear cut chance, pressing Wigan back for long periods.
But the clear cut chance Albion needed refused to come.
Duffy flung himself at an Akins cross on 88 mins but the header flew over.
Full time: 1-1
Burton Albion: McLaughlin, Edwards, Mousinho, Cansdell-Sherriff, Beavon, Akins, Naylor, Duffy, Â Palmer, Flanagan, Choudhury. Subs: Bywater, Reilly (for Flanagan 62 mins), Weir (for Choudhury 85 mins), Butcher (for Naylor 90 mins) Walker, O'Connor, Bennett
Wigan: Jääskeläinen, Power, McCann, Morsy, Grigg, Jacobs, Morgan, Warnock, McAleny, Pearce, Wabara Subs: Nicholls, Kellett, Daniels (for Wabara 85 mins) , Odelusi, Chow, Vukic (for Jacobs 70 mins), Wildschut (for McAleny 60 mins)
Attendance: 5,461