The goal came on the stroke of half-time via Rob Hulse who like Danny Webber against Aston Villa similarly flicked home following a Stephen Quinn centre.
Hulse however only lit up what was in all fairness a particularly dull first half with the game breathing some life in the second.
Though you can always rely on the match officials to bring entertainment and controversy to the game, and Leeds born referee Peter Walton didn't fail to disappoint when after a Gillespie cross which struck the knee of Athletic Defender Arjan De Zeeuw he felt it necessary to award a penalty before; after consultation with his assistant then decided not to award it.
And it was noted by the away visitors that Wigan were poorly represented, around 3,000 Blades fans made up the numbers of the 16,322 attendance. Somewhat of a disgrace considering Burnley (at home to Sunderland), a Championship side and only down the road gathered round 14,798 to watch their 2-2 draw.
Maybe Wigan are well supported but the go away fans chose to catch up on almost last minute Christmas shopping - happened they made the right choice!
United had only managed two victories away from home this season following wins at Newcastle United and Watford (both 1-0) and collecting one vital point at Manchester City meant that the visitors should have been easy pickings for the likes of Wigan.
As predicted Michael Tonge played his first game for Sheffield United since October after he came off injured against Chelsea, and soon saw action as De Zeeuw blocked his effort, whilst the formidable Danny Webber headed over at the near post from Quinn's cross.
Neither side created much in the first half as the ball was dogged in Midfield whilst most would suspect that they had turned up to watch the Warriors as they kicked for touch, though at times United were guilty of the same crime.
It was Defenders who stole the limelight throughout the game; in particular Arjan De Zeeuw who kept Rob Hulse at bay and Claude davis at the other end keeping out heavyweight Emile Heskey.
The game looked all set for a 0-0 interval which would please the travelling fans considering they had only mustered two away goals prior to their JJB Visit.
Wigan looked bewildered as they found themselves behind at half-time, with 45 minutes on the clock and fans tearing down for that half-time pie & pint Keith Gillespie crossed but was too high for the advancing Hulse falling to Quinn who nipped in to slide to Hulse who turned and chipped into the top corner past Kirkland.
Half-Time: Wigan Athletic 0-1 Sheffield United
After the break it was the home side who came out of the starting blocks first; Danny Landzaat testing Paddy Kenny.
Full-Back Rob Kozluk made a huge mistake; he was found wandering (and the last man) and was caught in possession by Kevin Kilbane. The former Everton Midfielder; one-on-one against Kenny shot but the impressive Keeper did well to turn away the effort.
Sheffield United looked all set to steal the points when Walton gave them an early Christmas present - handing the visitors a penalty after De Zeeuw was jugged to have handled in the box. After consultation with his assistant referee Mr. Walton chose to overturn his original decision and awarded a drop ball.
Former England international Chris Kirkland was only paid to pick the ball out of the net in the first 45 but was called upon in the second after Gillespie broke free to shoot on the angle straight at Kirkland and then denied Webber's follow up.
The game finally sprung into life near the end when for a third time the United shot-stopper acted to Lee McCulloch's shot to deny the Midfielder, and David Wright headed wide with the goal gapping.
And to add insult to injury Mr. Walton saw it fit to add five minutes added time which bemused the crowed, it did however saw some action. Nick Montgomery cleared McCulloch's header off the line before McCulloch was once again involved.
Last Monday Chris Morgan saw the elbow of Villa striker Juan Pablo Angel and McCulloch thought he would add to it, whilst defending a corner the Midfielder pocked Morgan in the eye. He did apologies after the game but we still hope that the FA take action against the Scot.
Full-Time: Wigan Athletic 0-1 Sheffield United