Friendly victory at York
Paul Dickov is satisfied with the work in progress after Latics won 2-0 at npower League Two new boys York City in their latest pre-season friendly.
Goals from James Tarkowski and Robbie Simpson earned Latics a decisive victory at Bootham Crescent.
Latics’ manager believes there is still much more to come as he explained: “I am happy how we played, but there are still lots of things to work on.
“In the first 10/15 minutes our shape wasn’t the best, but once we sorted it out, I thought we were comfortable, played some neat first and two-touch football and looked a threat..”
Dickov was delighted to see Tarkowski score from a set piece saying they will be an important weapon in their armoury in the forthcoming campaign.
“It was pleasing to score from a set piece but the main thing was our shape and we looked really solid as an unit,” he continued.
Latics sealed victory with two goals scored in as many minutes midway through the opening period.
Tarkowski broke the deadlock with a bullet header from a Youssouf M’Changama corner.
That was quickly followed by Daniel Taylor delivering a low cross from the right for Simpson to steer a near-post shot into the far corner.
Latics played arguably their strongest side from kick off with the exception of keeper Alex Cisak who was not risked through a sore ankle.
Matt Smith replaced Simpson at the break while midway through the half there were a further eight changes made at one go.
Young Aussie keeper Liam Jacob became with tenth change and the 17-year-old made a couple of important saves to ensure Latics kept a clean sheet.
Latics (4-4-2): Bouzanis (Jacob 72); Brown (Millar 63), Tarkowski, M’voto (Belezika 63), Grounds (trialist 63); Croft (trialist 63), Furman (Winchester 63), Wesolowski (Mellor 63), M’Changama (Hughes 63); Simpson (Smith 46), Taylor (trialist 63).
Attendance: 1,334 (209 visitors).