Oldham Athletic produced a stunning extra-time comeback to beat Southend United 3-2 in the National League play-off final.
The Latics have now returned to League Two after being relegated from the English Football League in 2022.
Oldham turned their play-off fortunes around at WembleyGettyAn own-goal from Manny Monthe put Southend ahead at Wembley in the fifth minute before Oldham equalised through a penalty from Joe Garner in the 48th minute.
The match ended 1-1, so extra-time was needed and the Shrimpers scored another early goal, with Leon Chambers-Parillon firing home in the 91st minute.
Oldham fought back again thanks to James Norwood in the 110th minute and the drama continued two minutes later in the second half of extra-time.
Kian Harratt watched his inswinging cross nestle into the back of the net to put his side in front for the first time on the day.
It sparked jubilation from the visiting Oldham fans, who celebrated at the full-time whistle when their promotion was secured.
The Latics have returned to the EFL and League Two after finishing 12th and tenth in the last two campaigns respectively in the National League.
Oldham’s promotion is also their first in 34 years, with the 1990/91 season that last time they rose up the divisions.
Both clubs brought immense support to Wembley to set a National League attendance record of 52,115 fans.
“I feel unbelievable. It’s the second time I’ve done it here,” Harratt said to DAZN.
“It’s been some years since we’ve been promoted,” the match-winner added. “Hopefully we can go on next season and try to get another.”
They have sealed promotion back into the English Football LeagueGettyMeanwhile, Oldham boss Micky Mellon, who joined in October 2023, delightedly remarked: “I’m speechless.
“Football… This is what it’s all about if you’re on the winning side of it. I’m elated. My players have been unbelievable.
“What a day, it will never leave you, this day.”
Oldham’s last promotion in 1991 came by finishing top of the Football League Second Division.
They spent three consecutive seasons in the English top-flight and were one of the 22 sides in the inaugural Premier League campaign.
However, they suffered relegations in 1994 and 1997 to drop down to the third tier, which is where they’d stay for 21 years.
League Two football beckons for Oldham next seasonGettyOldham then slumped into League Two in 2018 and then the National League four years later.
But Mellon’s side will return to the English Football League for the 2025/26 season after their win over Southend on Sunday.
They join National League champions Barnet in the fourth tier.
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