Oldham stars getting better with age

Frankie Bunn’s Oldham side extended their unbeaten run in the league to six games on Saturday after a hat-trick from 32-year-old Chris O’Grady saw the Latics to a 4-2 win over local rivals Bury.

The visitors also came into the game unbeaten in five league games but a double from O’Grady and a Sam Surridge header ensured the hosts cruised into the half-time break with a comfortable lead.

Striker Caolan Lavery did pull two goals back for Ryan Lowe’s side after the interval, but O’Grady completed his hat-trick just after the hour mark to wrap up the three points.

📈 Oldest players to hit a league hat-trick (top 4 tiers; 2018/19):
💥 I Henderson (L1 - 12288 days)
💥 D Graham (Ch - 12165 days)
💥 C O'GRADY (L2 - 12013 days)
💥 B Sharp (Ch - 11953 days)

🔗: https://t.co/P1ydkrRyfk#oafc @OfficialOAFC pic.twitter.com/58CmAkoX9n

— Luke Pearson (@lukejepearson) December 18, 2018

O’Grady’s hat-trick takes his tally for the season to six whilst Surridge’s header moves the Bournemouth loanee into double figures across all competitions.

Another star of Saturday’s victory was Curaçao international Gevaro Nepomuceno who assisted three out of four goals for the Latics.

O'Grady's treble now means that 32% of Oldham’s goals this season have been scored by players over the age of 30.

Bunn’s squad includes five players over the age of 30 with Andy Taylor, Giles Coke, Ishmael Miller and Peter Clarke, as well as O’Grady.

Saturday’s game was a memorable one for Clarke as the centre-back celebrated making his 100th appearance for the Club.

The commanding victory over Bury moved the Latics to within two points of the play-off places.

Bunn’s side can close the gap this coming Saturday when Exeter visit Boundary Park, with the Grecians currently occupying the final play-off spot.