Academy product Tom Hamer had an impressive league debut as a first-half substitute – and producing a man-of-the-match performance at centre back alongside fellow youth graduate George Edmundson.
The 18-year-old slotted in with ease, helping Latics to a rare clean sheet in a steely shut-out display at Oxford.
He said told Oldham Times “I’m not going to lie, I was a bit nervous, but then I am going to be nervous playing in front of a crowd like that.”
“I was excited though to get on and make my family proud – my mum, dad, sister and a few others were here today.”
“It was great to finally make my league debut. Their lads were hard to mark but I thought myself and George did alright. George talks to you a lot so it’s good.”
Hamer received praise from Latics boss Richie Wellens after the game, who said he wouldn’t be afraid to put him in again.
“For Richie to come out and say he has no worries about putting me in makes me feel good,” added Hamer.
“It’s a dream-come-true. I’ve played in the Checkatrade Trophy when there’s not been many people there and obviously today there was over 7,000 watching, but it doesn’t really matter because you are so focused on the game whatever the crowd is.”
“Hopefully, I can get some game time in the league now, we can stay up and then take it from there.”
Oldham fans are excited to see their youth product shine in the first team, maybe he will follow the footsteps of ex Oldham youth product James Tarkowski who made his first appearance for England last month.
Special mention for @TomHamer7, who was excellent when he came on for Kean Bryan. In a big game, he slotted in seamlessly and dealt with everything Oxford threw at him #oafc
— Michael (@miguelinho2910) April 7, 2018
@TomHamer7 was quality yesterday at Oxford.
Well done pal. #oafc— Oldham_Groundhopper (@georgeOAFC1999) April 8, 2018
Thought @TomHamer7 was solid at the back today. Was very good against Leicester U21 and same again today #OAFC
— Dom Weiss (@DomWeiss92) April 7, 2018
Congratulations @TomHamer7 on another solid performance #future #oafc
— Simon Brooke (@simonbrooke) April 7, 2018
Another proud mum moment! Hard work always pays off . xx ❤️@TomHamer7
— Leanne -Hamer (@lilybaloo530) April 7, 2018
