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MATCH REPORT: Derby Day Delight For Latics

20 August 2016

It was derby day delight for Oldham Athletic as they beat local rivals Bury 0-1 at Gigg Lane.

An own goal by Leon Barnett on the seventh minute after Paul Green’s teasing ball into the box won the game for Latics.

It earned Stephen Robinson his first win as Oldham Athletic manager as Latics took their unbeaten run to four games and Latics have now gone three games without conceding a goal.

Manager Robinson made one change to the side which drew with Northampton Town in midweek as Marc Klok replaced Lee Croft. 

It was a good first half from Athletic, creating several chances and ultimately going into the break in the lead.

Despite Bury dictating the early possession with Danny Mayor a threat on the left hand side, Latics took the lead on seven minutes.

Green’s cross from the left was headed backwards by Barnett and Bury goalkeeper Williams was unable to keep the ball out and Robinson’s side were in front.

The goal was exactly what Latics needed as they settled into the game and defended manfully to keep hold of the lead.

A succession of Bury corners and free kicks into the box were defended excellently by Latics, with former Bury defender Peter Clarke at the forefront of the action.

Behind him was goalkeeper Connor Ripley who was out of his goal to collect the danger and ease the pressure on Latics’ goal. 

Midway through the half, Latics could have been two ahead had it not been for the far post.

Lee Erwin, who was a constant threat in the first half, turned his man on the edge of the box and unleashed a powerful shot but the ball rebounded off the post and eventually into the arms of Bury goalkeeper Ben Williams. 

Latics kept up the pressure and Fane headed wide a Marc Klok corner on the half hour mark.

The Dutch midfielder was proving to be a handful and intercepted a loose pass from Craig Jones on the edge of the Bury box but elected to pass when a shot could have been a better option.

It was constant Athletic pressure on the Bury goal and minutes later excellent work from Billy Mckay saw him keep the ball in and create a chance for Erwin but the striker’s shot was deflected wide of the goal.

Bury made a change five minutes before the end of the first half as Hallam Hope replaced Kelvin Etuhu as they went to two in attack.

However, it would be Latics who finished the half strongly and they were unfortunate not to extend their lead before.

Firstly Klok’s free kick found Flynn on the left and his wicked cross was cleared by Anthony Kay in front of his own goal whilst a minute later Erwin almost put Latics two ahead.

The striker met a cross into the box by Charles Dunne but he could not direct his header on target as the referee blew for half time.

It was a frantic start to the second half with Latics looking the more likely side to get the second goal of the game. 

Clarke almost connected with a Klok free kick on 50 minutes whilst two minutes later, Latics’ appeal for a penalty was turned down after the referee did not adjudge Anthony Kay to have handled in the box. 

Latics continued their press with Erwin forcing a save from Williams whilst two minutes later Paul Green fired over from the edge of the box after he set the chance up for himself.

Athletic had to be wary on the hour mark as substitute Nicky Clark had space inside the area but Connor Ripley was out quickly to smother at his feet. 

It was a frantic period in the game as Mckay raced through on goal but his shot was deflected off a Bury defender and away to safety.

Whilst Latics continued to look for a second goal, they also had to be alert on the break as Zeli Ismail forced a smart save from Ripley.

Just as Latics were coming under the cosh, the goalkeeper claimed absolutely everything which was thrown into his box to preserved the lead.

With 10 minutes remaining, Croft headed into the path of Flynn who raced through on goal but Williams tipped his shot wide of the post.

Bury started to pile on the pressure in the final minutes of the game but were met by a stubborn and organised Latics defence. 

Mayor got to the byline on 86 minutes, crossed into the box but Clark could not direct his shot goalwards.

With the Shakers throwing everything at Latics, they were caught on the break but substitute Darius Osei just could not knock the ball beyond the last defender.

Latics controlled the final embers of the game, keeping possession and ultimately deserved the three points.

Bury: Williams, Jones, Leigh, Etuhu (Hope 41’), Kay, Ismail, Mayor, Pope, Mellis (Clark 57’), Soares, Barnett.

Subs not used: Dudley, Burgess, Rachubka, Maher.

Oldham Athletic: Ripley, Law, Burgess, Clarke, Dunne, Fane, Green, Klok (Croft 75’), Flynn (Woodland 87’), Erwin, Mckay (Osei 78’).

Subs not used: Kettings, Wilson, Banks, McLaughlin.

Goals: Bury 0-1 Oldham Athletic (Barnett OG 7’)

Attendance: 4,479 (1,554 visiting supporters)

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