Jack Laird was Latics' matchwinner as the youth team continued its pre-season build up with a 1-0 win at New Mills.

The first-year trainee scored the all-important goal midway through the second half.

Laird, who scored both goals in a 2-2 draw against Silsden, cut in from the right and slotted home a low shot.

Latics matched New Mills, who won promotion to the UniBond League in May, in the opening half in which Latics keeper Dale Connor was largely untroubled.

Shaun Routledge, who took over in goal in the second half, made one important save to ensure the game remained goalless.

Once Laird had given Latics the lead, Tony Philliskirk and Mick Priest's side dug in to hold on to their lead.

Priest, who selected centre-half Matty D Carr and midfield man David Mellor as the two outstanding Latics players, said: "We played very well against a big team physically which ran away with their league last season.

"New Mills clearly had a rocket at half time as they came at us in the second half, but we withstood everything they threw at us."