Latics youth team were 2-1 victors over Walsall on Saturday as they ended a run of seven defeats in a row.
Jack Tuohy's first half strike and a late Lee Knight header sealed the victory for the youth team to start the new year in winning fashion.Walsall had equalised mid way through the first half but Knight's late strike sealed the three points for Latics.
Youth team boss Tony Philliskirk was delighted to get back to winning ways. He said: "We had our injured players back, we had a much stronger squad and it made a massive difference to the team.
"We went down to a very strong and physical side and come out with the win so I couldn't be more delighted.
"We dominated the first half and we thought the game should have been over at half time. That has happened a lot this season and we have struggled to put the games to bed.
"We conceded one in the second half which we have a habit of doing but we showed great character to get the winner in the last couple of minutes.
"On the balance of play, we deserved to win and it will give the lads great confidence. We lost a lot of games in a row and we move forward now and look to continue into the game next week."
Latics youth team face Blackpool at Chapel Road next weekend (kick off 11am).