Oldham complete extra-time comeback to return to the EFL | OneFootball

Oldham are heading back to the English Football League after a thrilling 3-2 win over Southend United at Wembley in the National League play-off final.

The Owls had the better of the early chances, but it was Southend who struck first just five minutes in. Charley Kendall chased a long ball, and under pressure, Oldham defender Manny Monthe ended up knocking it past his own keeper, Matthew Hudson.

But just after the break, Monthe was brought down in the box by Ben Goodliffe, and Joe Garner stepped up to calmly slot the penalty home, sending Nick Hayes the wrong way to level things up.

Neither side could find a winner in normal time, so it went to extra time – and things really came to life.

Southend grabbed the lead again just 40 seconds in, with Leon Chambers-Parillon nodding in after Hudson failed to deal properly with a cross from Gus Scott-Morriss.

That looked like it might seal it for Southend, especially after they missed chances to kill the game off, but Oldham weren’t done.

Substitute James Norwood latched onto a hopeful ball forward, danced through the defence with some brilliant footwork, and dinked it over the onrushing Hayes before tapping into an open net.

Then, with Oldham fans still buzzing from the equaliser, Kian Harratt swung in a cross that somehow missed everyone, including Hayes, and nestled in the far corner to complete the comeback.

Oldham had already finished five points above Southend in the table, and cruised through the earlier play-off rounds without conceding. After three seasons away, they’re finally back in the EFL.