Oldham boss Frankie Bunn hails ‘near-perfect’ first-half performance

Oldham manager Frankie Bunn praised a “near-perfect” first-half performance after his side earned a hugely entertaining 4-2 League Two win against Bury.

The Latics were 3-0 up at the break and, despite Bury threatening a fightback, Bunn’s men sealed the points against their local rivals when striker Chris O’Grady completed his hat-trick.

Oldham struck twice in the opening 10 minutes as O’Grady volleyed home and Sam Surridge headed in from close range.

O’Grady raced clear to convert his second before Bury substitute Caolan Lavery scored with his first touch moments after half-time.

Lavery struck again as Oldham nerves began to jangle, but O’Grady made it safe with a header despite Bury claims that he had fouled goalkeeper Joe Murphy.

Bunn said: “The first half was fantastic, near-perfect, and I’m a hard taskmaster who wouldn’t say that easily.

“We had a game plan and we executed it with the way we pressed Bury and got on top of them.

“For the first time in a while we put our chances away, which always stands you in good stead.

“The way we went about it was absolutely terrific and the players did everything we asked of them.

“Bury are a really good team, but we put them to the sword for 30-odd minutes.

“Towards the end of the first half I could just sense we were taking our foot off the gas, so at half-time we had a go at the players and told them they couldn’t take the result for granted.

“Lo and behold we went back out and conceded in the first minute, then my heart sank a bit when Bury got their second.

“The weather conditions were really tough and there was some frantic defending, but luckily Chris O’Grady got one over the line to make it 4-2.

“I didn’t see whether there was a foul for our fourth goal, but if we’ve had a bit of luck from the referee it’s about time we got some.

“This group of players don’t chuck the towel in and they have to be commended for their spirit and their effort.

“I’m absolutely delighted Chris got a hat-trick because he is a proper gentleman and a total professional who looks after himself like you wouldn’t believe.

“He’s a credit to the club and – although he gets a bit of stick now and again – every one of the players appreciates what he does for the team.”

High-flying Bury have been in excellent form and manager Ryan Lowe said: “I really don’t know where that first-half performance came from, if I’m honest.

“We just weren’t at it and of course we’re all angry and disappointed.

“I want to apologise to the fans. They travelled here in their numbers and that just wasn’t good enough from us.

“I just can’t understand it. Training all week has been brilliant, the lads had all been bubbly and everyone was looking forward to it.

“We were up for it – but that first 10 minutes just wasn’t us.

“It’s something we’re going to need to work on. We’ll address this, but at least I got a reaction in the second half.

“This has clearly been one to forget about quickly, but we’re still on a decent run of results.

“I think that’s one loss in six, and just two in 11, and we’re still fourth.

“We’re fourth in the table after 22 games. I think if someone had given me that at the start of the season I’d have snatched their hand off.

“The players have let themselves down. We know that and I’ve already had some answers about it, but we just need to put this down to experience and move on.”