BURY boss David Flitcroft admitted Oldham deserved their derby-day victory after the Shakers' heavy fixture congestion caught up with them on Saturday.

Debutant Leon Barnett's 10th-minute own goal was all that separated the two sides during the close-fought encounter.

Shakers stopper Ben Williams was in fantastic form, making a number of crucial saves – most notably tipping Lee Erwin's low drive on to the post on the stroke of half time.

Bury rallied late on with exciting wingers Danny Mayor and Zeli Ismail at the heart of the attack, but they were unable to break down the resilient Oldham defence.

Flitcroft believes the lack of a clinical edge in both boxes was behind the defeat.

“We were not good enough in either box today,” Flitcroft said. “We had chances to draw level but we weren't ruthless enough and Oldham deserved the victory.

“We looked threatening in the first part of the game and I was delighted with it but one punt up the pitch and suddenly it looked awkward.

“The goal was a cross out of the blue and with an own goal you have to reset.

"The game became too open, too expansive and Oldham had more opportunities to score.

“Danny Mayor and Zeli Ismail gave us a real spark and looked very threatening second half but you need more than that in a local derby to get you a positive result.

“I think emotions run high after every game but I'm disappointed with the way we didn't perform and the way we let the goal affect us.

"We have been very aggressive in our approach to pressing teams and that was not evident today.”

Bury were missing summer signing Neil Danns (foot) and in-form defender Nathan Cameron (knee).

Cameron is expected to return in time for the trip to Walsall next weekend, but Danns could be out for a longer period.

Fatigue also played a part in the defeat, as Flitcroft admitted playing five games in 15 days had taken it's toll on his team, who also lost Kelvin Etuhu to injury towards the end of the first half.

“We have tried everything to get them back to fitness but two or three of our players looked tired,” Flitcroft added.

“We also missed Danns and Nathan Cameron. Danns' energy – we certainly missed that. We didn't compete enough with Oldham's midfield and it's cost us.

“We have not got a timeframe for Danns' recovery but we have had some better news.

"Nathan took a knock on Tuesday and came through it, I think he will be okay for next week.

“The medical team will have a look at Kelvin's injury and give us more intel on it.”

Bury started confidently as winger Mayor shot straight at the Oldham goalkeeper from the edge of the area.

But the visitors took the lead against the run of play in the seventh minute. Paul Green whipped a tantalising cross from the left and Barnett's attempted headed clearance found his own net.

The Shakers responded well and the lively Mayor dragged a shot wide from the edge of the box following an unusual free kick routine.

Oldham grew stronger in the latter parts of the first half and should have taken a greater lead into the break.

Only a world-class save from Ben Williams kept out Lee Erwin – tipping the forward's shot on to the post, before the forward fired wide following a brilliant cutback from Billy McKay.

Ismail attempted to get the hosts back into the game with a fine run and shot on the hour mark but his effort was well saved by Connor Ripley.

From the resulting corner, substitute Nicky Clark struck goalwards, but the goalkeeper was in the right place to make the save.

Bury continued to bombard the penalty area with crosses but the Oldham back four, led by former Shakers defender Peter Clarke, clung on for a vital three points.

Match ratings

Bury (4-3-3): Williams 8; Jones 6, Barnett 5, Kay 6, Leigh 5; Soares 6, Etuhu 6 (Hope 41 ,6), Mellis 6 (Clark 57, 6); Mayor 7, Ismail 7, Pope 5. Not used: Rachubka, Dudley, Maher, Burgess.

Oldham (4-4-2): Ripley; Law, Burgess, Clarke, Dunne; Flynn (Woodland 87), Fane, Green, Klok (Croft 76); McKay (Osei 78), Irwin. Not used: Wilson, Banks, Kettings, McLaughlin.

Referee: Stephen Martin (Staffordshire).

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