Academy manager Tony Philliskirk believes his side need to work on their winning mentality after defeat to Rotherham United in the first game of the new EFL Youth Alliance Under 18 North East League.
The young latics lost 2-0 in their season opener on Saturday.
"It was a disappointing start, in the first half we were never at the races, we started slowly, we were sloppy in possession and too casual." Said Philliskirk.
"I thought Rotherham looked sharper than us to begin with, but more than anything it looked as though they wanted it more. They were certainly more aggressive than us, they did the basics better, won more headers, won more tackles and dominated us and we were 2-0 down.
"In the Second half, we tinkered slightly, tactically and basically we battered them but we missed a host of chances. We had a gilt edge chance and a penalty that we missed in the first ten minutes of the second half, if we would have taken them I feel we would have gone on and won the game.
"The reaction in the second half was very positive which was pleasing but, like I said to the players after the game, I think it’s easy to play when you’re getting beat.
"Yes they’re in development, but part of development is winning and they’ve got to develop that winning mentality and it’s something we’re going to have to work on."
The Youth Team are next in action on Saturday, August 12 when they travel to Notts County, 12pm kick off.