Cardiff gained the one point needed to put them in the play-offs but it was yet another match in which their strikers drew a blank.
Lennie Lawrence said after the goalless draw with Wigan: "I was very encouraged with the display and we must have had four one-on-one's with their keeper, but he is the best in the division in that situation.
"We will want to win next week's match at Crewe, but there will be rotation as we had a few tired legs out there. I took Earnie off because he was also looking tired, but he has done very well for us all season.
"When we went into the play-offs last year we were scrapping around for fit players, but at least this season we will have everyone involved.
"When you lose three on the bounce you have to stop the rot and we played well enough to win but it wasn't to be. We are better equipped than last season but we have to learn to win when the pressure is on." Lawrence kept the same side as that beaten on Tuesday at Bristol City, but he was forced into a change midway through the first half when Danny Gabbidon limped off with a groin injury. Gary Croft came in at left-back and Chris Barker slotted in a central defensive position.
"Danny will not play against Crewe and the instruction to our physio Clive Goodyear will be not to rush him back." City have now gone over six hours without scoring a goal and leading marksman Earnshaw was withdrawn after 75 minutes.
Former Middlesbrough striker Andy Campbell took over at the front and he had the best chance of the game in the final minute when he burst through with only keeper John Filan to beat.
The Wigan custodian stood tall blocked Campbell's shot and cleared the danger.
The large crowd were relieved to hear the final whistle knowing that the Bluebirds had taken the point they needed for the play-offs but after last year's disappointment they will not be looking forward to this season's prospect.