Latics youngsters overcame Shrewsbury Town 3-0 at home on Saturday to remain second in the table.
Michael Brewster and Devonte Jacobs gave Latics the lead going into the break whilst Jordache Walters wrapped up the scoring in the second half to ensure the comfortable victory.
The first half started pretty evenly with both sides enjoying good spells of possession without really threatening. It was Latics however that took the lead in the opening quarter of the game through Brewster. John Pritchard delivered an inch-perfect corner onto the head of Brewster who powered it past the goalkeeper to give them the advantage.
Shrewsbury didn't let the goal affect them and looked positive in attack. They were hit in the break though as an individual strike from Jacobs extended the home side's lead. The forward picked up the ball on the edge of the box, turned, and smashed his shot into the bottom corner, leaving the goalkeeper helpless.
As the conditions started to dictate play, Athletic took a grip of the game. With control all over the pitch, Walters added a third to wrap up victory. Kyle Hardman and Jordan Bove were influential in the goal, playing the ball through to the substitute who fired across the goalkeeper to seal the win.
Speaking about the result, youth team manager Tony Philliskirk believed the game was closer than the scoreline suggested. He said: "We always looked a threat on the break but their goalkeeper made some great saves to keep them in the game.
"Winning 3-0 suggests it was comfortable but until we scored the third goal, I always thought Shrewsbury were in the game. They gave a good account of themselves but it's a good sign when you have won well and haven't played well."
The gaffer only had positive words to say about his players, who continue to impress despite most of them still being first years.
"It continues our good season that we're having so far. We're second in the league and we've got a cup final appearance to come. The boys are doing well and I'm pleased with them," admitted Philliskirk.
"We're a very young team and a lot of the players playing at the moment will be here next season so it stands us in great stead. With six games to go in the league and a cup final appearance, yet to be announced, we've put ourselves in a fantastic position."