BURY 0, OLDHAM ATHLETIC 1
Oldham Athletic experienced derby delight with victory at Bury in Sky Bet League One.
An own goal by Leon Barnett after seven minutes earned Latics their first league victory at the fourth attempt under new manager Stephen Robinson.
It also extended Latics’ unbeaten run in all competitions to four games and they have also kept three successive clean sheets.
And the only reservation was that it was an opponent that found the net for them as their strikers haven’t found the net in 10 games – five friendlies and five competitive games.
Robinson made one change to the side which drew with Northampton Town in midweek as Marc Klok replaced Lee Croft.
Bury made the brighter start, but Latics took the lead after seven minutes. Paul Green’s cross from the left was headed backwards by Barnett and goalkeeper Ben Williams was unable to keep the ball out as the visitors were gifted a goal.
Midway through the half, Latics could have been two ahead when former Bury loanee Lee Erwin turned an opponent but his shot from the edge of the box struck an upright.
There were also other openings as Ousmane Fane and Erwin also went close as Latics posed more of a threat.
Bury made a change five minutes before the end of the first half as Hallam Hope replaced Kelvin Etuhu as they went with two in attack.
However, it was Latics who finished the half strongly and they were unfortunate not to extend their lead when Erwin went close again.
Latics remained the more dangerous side in the second half as they had a penalty appeal turned down after Anthony Kay appeared to handle while Erwin forced a save from Williams and Paul Green fired over.
There were chances at either end as Nicky Clark raced clear only for Latics’ keeper Connor Ripley to smother at his feet. He also had to save well from Zeli Ismail.
Lativs also had opening as Billy Mckay’s shot was deflected away from goal while Ryan Flynn was denied by the fingertips of Williams.
Bury piled on the pressure in the final 10 minutes, but were met by a stubborn and organised Latics’ defence as they emerged comfortable winners, albeit by just one goal, and an own goal at that..
Latics (4-4-2): Ripley; Law, Clarke, Burgess, Dunne; Klok (Croft 75), Green, Fane, Flynn (Woodland 87); Erwin, Mckay (Osei 78). Subs (not used): Kettings, Wilson, Banks, McLaughlin.
Goals: Barnett (7 og) for Latics.
Attendance: 4,479 (1,554 visitors).