Chris O’Grady nets hat-trick as Oldham see off Bury

Posted Sunday, December 16, 2018 by PA

Striker Chris O’Grady scored a hat-trick as Oldham beat Bury 4-2 in a pulsating north-west derby at Boundary Park.

Both sides were unbeaten in five league games before kick-off but the Latics clinched local bragging rights after charging into a 3-0 lead before half-time.

Oldham got off to a flyer when O’Grady gave them an eighth-minute lead, volleying in from 12 yards after Sam Surridge’s clever pull-back.

The advantage was doubled two minutes later as Gevaro Nepomuceno crossed to the far post and Surridge converted with a looping header.

Bury were punished for a third time just after the half-hour when Nepomuceno’s through-ball sent O’Grady racing clear to beat goalkeeper Joe Murphy.

Shakers boss Ryan Lowe made a double change at the break and substitute Caolan Lavery gave them hope by sliding in a Nicky Adams cross just 25 seconds after the restart.

Lavery soon struck again from another Adams assist, but Oldham made it 4-2 after 62 minutes when O’Grady’s hat-trick goal was allowed to stand despite fierce Bury claims of a foul as he headed home from close range.

The defeat was a disappointing way for Bury to start their new era after being taken over by businessman Steve Dale.