Oldham and QPR took a point each to help their promotion bids but it was Rangers who left Boundary Park feeling hard done by.
They shaded a tight and hotly contested match only to find Oldham, whose keeper was in great form, holding out strongly.
Giant Australian Les Pogliacomi made several fine saves on his way to a 16th clean sheet in 37 games this season.
Opposite number Chris Day was rarely tested and QPR manager Ian Holloway admitted his sides finishing had been the main disappointment.
"I had my house on Kevin Gallen to score at one point," Holloway said. "So it is frustrating that we did not finish Oldham off.
"We desperately wanted to win this one because I believe the second promotion spot is still in reach. It might need seven or eight wins from the last nine games but we can do it.
"But it was a strong performance and we showed good physical attributes against a good team.
"I've told the lads they will get better the harder they work and I was pleased with their response." Oldham's build-up was hit by shock news that chairman Chris Moore will be stepping down from the board.
He has taken the role of club president but pledged to keep on backing them with his personal fortune until at least the end of the season.
Oldham manger Iain Dowie, a former QPR coach, said: "The lads did not let it upset them although this is a worrying situation for everybody concerned.
"I will try to use the chairman's decision as a spur, but it did come a bit out of the blue." A game of very few chances opening with Paul Furlong's shot which forced a good save before Paul Murray blazed over for the Latics.
Pogliacomi made a fine stop to his left from Richard Langley and also denied Gallen with one hand before Gallen wasted the best chance by missing the target after he burst through.
Oldham could have snatched it after 83 minutes when lively sub Wayne Andrews drilled just beyond the far post from a tight angle.