Oldham Athletic seal dramatic return to Football League
Oldham Athletic 3 - 2 Southend United
James Norwood and Kian Harratt struck in quick succession during extra time to secure a remarkable 3–2 victory for Oldham Athletic over Southend United in the National League Promotion Final at Wembley.
Author | Alex W
Stadium | Wembley Stadium
Leon Chambers-Parillon had earlier come off the bench to put Southend 2–1 ahead with a close-range header, only for Norwood to round the goalkeeper and equalise in the 110th minute. Just two minutes later, Harratt's curling cross evaded everyone and nestled inside the far post, completing one of the most dramatic turnarounds ever witnessed in a promotion final at the national stadium.
Southend had taken the lead inside five minutes when Oldham defender Manny Monthe inadvertently turned the ball into his own net. But the centre-back made amends after the break, winning a penalty from which Joe Garner drew the Latics level.
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In front of more than 52,000 supporters (a record attendance for a National League fixture) Oldham held firm in the closing stages to seal a long-awaited return to the Football League after three seasons in non-league football. It marked the club’s first promotion in 34 years.
The best reaction to a dramatic afternoon
One Oldham fan told us: “I’m at a loss for words. Football... this is what it’s all about when you’re on the winning side. I’m overjoyed. Our players have performed incredibly well. What a day - this experience will stay with us all forever.”
Dan H added: "The year I was born in Oldham, the team was relegated from the Premier League. In the three decades since, there has been nothing but a slow decline into misery. Even if Oldham is relegated next year, what truly matters is that our town has finally experienced a brief moment of joy."
Oliver, another fan of Oldham, shared his thoughts: "This is huge; it means everything to us. The club was just minutes away from going out of business, and the owner stepped in to save them. I’m thrilled that we’ve won. It means so much to the town, the community, the club, and the players. It's everything to us."
