Jordan Bove took his scoring tally to over 20 goals for the season as he smashed two in Latics victory over Wrexham Youth to keep up them on course for a league and cup double.
Michael Brewster scored in between Bove's double to secure the victory for the young Latics.
In very difficult conditions, it was Athletic that adapted the better of the two sides. After some early missed opportunities, Latics made the breakthrough through a lob from Bove. The striker picked up a loose ball on the edge of the area and superbly lobbed the goalkeeper to put the visitors ahead.
Just before half time, Latics extended their lead through a tap in from Brewster. Neat interplay in the midfield by Ben Grant, Kyle Hardman and Danny Holmes saw the ball fall to Brewster a couple of yards out and he tapped it past the goalkeeper to give Latics a two goal advantage at half time.
After the break, Athletic had chances to kill the game off but couldn't take their opportunities. Those missed chances came back to haunt the visitors as Wrexham forced a way back into the game.
With 20 minutes remaining, a header from the far post was nodded past Joel Coleman and the home side grew in pressure.
Latics had to withstand intense pressure from the home side. A long throw in was causing all sorts of problems for the Latics players but they defended resolutely and managed to hit Wrexham on the counter attack.
With only five minutes of the game remaining, Hardman broke away and as he bared down on goal, he unselfishly presented Bove with a tap in to seal the victory for Latics to keep them on course for double success.
Manager Tony Philliskirk praised the determination of his players. He said: "It was a hard fought victory. The lads showed another side of their game where it wasn't all pretty and nice football. We dug in and worked hard and I thought that we played the conditions really well. It was probably a hard working and scruffy win and to win them games shows good development in the players."
The youth team coach also had positive words to say about his in-form striker. "Jordan has been fantastic this season and it's not something that we can ignore," added the gaffer. "He's done very well in the youth team so far and he's shown a fine attitude. He knows where the net is, works very hard for the team and defends from the front line so he sets good examples to all the other players."