Lee Duxbury has backed his side to perform against anyone after they sealed the league title with a win over Chester last night.

A second-half double from scholar Ross Thaker sealed a well-deserved victory over City, and the reserve team boss was delighted with the display from his side.

The 2006/07 has seen a number of notable victories over more experienced sides, and the ex-Latics skipper is evidently impressed with the rate at which his squad are progressing.

"I'm delighted with the lads' performance against a strong side with a number of experienced pros in Chester", he said.

"Our back four, for example, consisted of two second-year scholars and two first-years, and I'm delighted with the way the lads worked hard for the result.

"They stuck to the game plan well, although the game changed a little when Matty Wolfenden came off.  Then they defended well for the last 20 minutes when they were pushing, and Ryan [Smith] made a couple of good saves.

"Obviously winning the league is a bonus, but I've spoken before about the role of the reserve team in keeping players fit and giving young lads experience."

Matty Wolfenden won praise from the boss after producing an excellent performance alongside Lewis Alessandra, as did goalscorer Thaker:

"Wolfy's sharp and sees the game well.  The lad's had a stop-start season because of injuries, but when he gets a good run he'll certainly be knocking on the first-team door, while Ross also did well.

"The first one was heading in anyway so it's his despite the fact it took a deflection, while he atttacking the opposite side of the ball well for his second goal, which you should always do as a winger."

Latics' second string now have just one game remaining - a Lancashire Senior Cup clash with Blackburn on Monday - and Duxbury insisted his side should fear no-one, having already beaten Premiership sides Bolton and Manchester City this season:

"Blackburn will be a tough test but there's no pressure on my lads - they've shown against Preston, Manchester City and others that they can cope against sides who are bigger than them.

"We've proved that no matter the age or experience of the opposition, the lads can stand up as a team and give anyone a good game."