Oldham boss Paul Dickov hailed his side's performance following their 2-1 pre-season victory over Manchester City.
The Latics faced a side containing six of City's Euro 2012 stars and Dickov hopes they can replicate that kind of display come the start of the season.
Jonathan Grounds hit a last-minute winner after Roque Santa Cruz had cancelled out Robbie Simpson's opener.
"It was a good workout for the lads and our toughest pre-season game by far. We had to play a different type of game hitting them on the break," he told the club's official website.
"We have to remember it is only a pre-season game and results don't count at this stage. But it is nice to win and I want us to get into the habit of winning and it becomes natural."
Dickov's men face one final test against Championship side Huddersfield at Boundary Park on Saturday before the new campaign begins.
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