A FIRST-HALF hat-trick from in-form striker James Oakes saw Bury ease past local rivals Bolton 3-0 on Saturday, as the visitors erased memories of Bolton’s win at Castlebrook earlier in the season.

Bury dominated play from the off with Bolton struggling to maintain any sort of meaningful possession and finding themselves penned back under increasing pressure.

Oakes soon broke the deadlock, following a surging run from Adam Friend. The forward burst towards the circle before supplying a pass to Oakes who coolly tapped home under the Bolton keeper.

New signing Mattie Birch proved influential in the second goal as his stinging effort was initially saved but fell nicely for Oakes to slot home, doubling Bury’s lead.

Birch and Friend then combined to provide Oakes with the simplest of finishes for his hat-trick, claiming his 25th goal of the season, and taking him to over 300 career goals.

Bury saw out the remainder of the game in comfort, with hardworking midfield play from James Larmett and Ian Hillary nullifying any potential threat from the home side.

The first team's

Carlisle 1s 5-0 Men’s 1s

The first team’s excellent run of form came to an abrupt end the following day as they shipped give goals at third-placed Carlisle without reply.

Bury created chances but were unable to match the home side's finishing.

They remain second in the table but the result left their title hopes in the balance with just five matches of the season remaining.

Leaders Prescot are two points ahead with a game in hand.

Elsewhere, the second team went down 3-0 at home to second-placed Bolton seconds on Saturday.

Bolton followed up a quick break-away goal mid-way through the first half with a stunning strike shortly before half time.

Bury pushed to get back in the game, but a third strike, from a short corner with 10 minutes remaining, sealed the result in Bolton’s favour.