As for the Latics, they celebrated a fairytale return to the English Football League (EFL) after a three-year break. Kian Harratt scored an electrifying winner in the 112th minute to ice their trip! The final was hosted at Wembley and featured a record attendance of 52,115 supporters. After going behind twice, Oldham staged a dramatic comeback to pull out an amazing 3-2 win against Southend United.
Oldham had a difficult opening when Manny Monthe levelled things with an own goal. This error allowed Southend a great opportunity to open the scoring in the game. Oldham gave proof, time and time again, that they would never yield to storm and trial. Joe Garner equalized by converting a penalty, proving the team’s willingness to fight back was as impressive as their attacking prowess.
When the match reached its final stages, tempers flared. Oldham’s Mike Fondop went down in the box following a challenge from Harry Taylor. The penalty kick incident ignited discussions among players and fans across the board, arguing that Oldham should have received a second PK. Even with this blow, the team was determined to keep moving ahead. Garner’s header from Tom Pett’s corner rattled the woodwork, just failing to give Town the lead.
In a remarkable turn of events, Southend’s James Norwood scored in the 110th minute, temporarily putting Oldham’s hopes on hold. Kian Harratt was the day’s hero. So much so, that he clinched the win with a blistering blow just two minutes after. Harratt’s goal not only sealed the win but marked a significant milestone in Oldham’s journey back to the EFL.
That’s the kind of consistency Oldham boss Micky Mellon had found, with the same starting XI ensuring defensive rigidness. York had been defeated 3-0 in the semis by this same starting 11. This decision turned out to be crucial, as the players demonstrated their grit and talent from kickoff to final whistle.
Leave a Reply