Latics earned their place in the third round of the FA Youth Cup following an impressive comeback against Bradford City.
The Bantams took an early lead in the cup game as Bobby Pointon headed into the back of the net from close range. However, Jim Simms found an equaliser just moments later with a clinical finish from beyond his years.
Latics took the lead in the 55th minute, Simms, once again, demonstrated his talent when his header looped over their ‘keeper and into the far corner.
The striker managed to complete his hat-trick in added time to secure his side’s place in the third round of the prestigious competition.
Selim Benachour made two changes from their dramatic victory in the first round against Carlisle United, Favour Okeke and Kofi Moore entered the side replacing the injured captain Asa Hughes and Joe Edwards.
The hosts took the lead in the third minute of the match when Pointon displayed intelligent movement inside the area before the attacker steered a powerful header past the Latics ‘keeper to the joy of their supporters.
However, the boys in blue had an instant response for the Bantams as Simms notched his second goal of the competition. Kofi Moore illustrated his vision to slot his teammate one-on-one with Harry Ambler and the forward kept his composure to find the bottom right-hand corner.
Pointon, looking to double his tally for the evening, cut inside from the right-wing before he curled an attempt on goal, however, Luke Southerington shifted across his goal impeccably to deny him.
Following that, Noah Wadsworth sweetly struck a volley from the edge of the box, but the youngster witnessed his effort cannon off the roof of the net.
Bradford thought that they’d regained the lead just before the interval as Sam Bentley tapped in from inside the six-yard box, however, the referee had already awarded a free-kick to visitors after Wadsworth fouled his marker.
Early into the second-half, Dylan Youmbi dribbled with intent at the Latics backline before he manufactured space on the edge of the penalty area to have a shot on goal, but he fired his effort over the crossbar.
In the 55th minute, Simms added his name to the scoresheet once more as he gave his team the lead at the Utilita Energy Stadium. The frontman got between the two central-defenders and looped his header over the goalkeeper into the far corner before reeling away in celebration.
At the other end, Trey Turner showcased a huge amount of bravery as he prevented the Citizens from equalising with a block from close range. A perfect case of a skipper leading by example.
Latics exemplified immense ball retention until the final whistle as they controlled possession across the park, and they got their rewards as Simms completed his hat-trick in added time. The striker received the ball inside the six-yard box before he turned and confidently slotted his effort into the bottom corner.
Although, Oliver Kilner was shown two yellow cards in matter of seconds just before the third goal with minutes left to play which took a slight shine off a fantastic display.
This result means that Oldham will travel to Queens Park Rangers in the next round of the famous competition.
Bradford City XI – Ambler (GK), Muambe (Bashir 66’), Tinsdale (Jeffreys 60’), Bentley, Thewlis, Wadsworth, Pointon ©, Roberts (Jeffers 77’), Youmbi, Wilson, Tunkara.
Unused Subs: Kamga (GK), Kamwa, Ajibode, Tinsdale.
Goals: Pointon 3'
Oldham Athletic XI – Southerington (GK), Cookson, Kilner, Okeke. Badby, Vaughan (Edwards 66’), Atkinson, Modi (Forshaw 90+'), Turner ©, Moore (Spencer 85’), Simms.
Unused Subs: Cook (GK), Chapman, Green, Atherton.
Goals: Simms 6’, 55’, 90+'
Attendance: 622
Referee – Jack Hall