Latics eased themselves three points clear of the National League drop zone as they saw off Dagenham & Redbridge 4-2 at Boundary Park.
Joe Nuttall and Ellis Chapman notched late goals to seal a much-needed victory.
David Unsworth's side made it three wins in the last five games as they bounced back from conceding an 84th-minute equaliser to score twice through Nuttall and Chapman.
Junior Morias had given the visitors the lead on the half-hour when he tucked a shot inside the post, but Nathan Sheron and defender Josef Yarney's second goal in four games turned things around early in the second half.
Latics should have been further ahead, but Nuttall's 64th-minute penalty was saved by goalkeeper Elliot Justham and that allowed Matt Robinson to level things up with six minutes remaining.
However, a second penalty of the night saw Nuttall rectify his earlier mistake and Chapman ensured there was no further late drama with a goal five minutes into added time to extend the Daggers' run to just one win in six.
Boss Unsworth said: "The belief is there, it's just that confidence, that massive word in football, and when the confidence is there we're a good team."
Latics are at home again next time out, next Tuesday night (14th), as they welcome Gateshead.
