Wembley Stadium, London – May 29, 2025
In a dramatic and chaotic National League play-off final, Oldham Athletic came from behind twice to defeat Southend United 3-2 in extra time, securing their return to the English Football League (EFL) after a three-year absence. Meanwhile, Southend’s wait for promotion continues after four seasons in non-league football.
A record-breaking 52,115 fans packed into Wembley—despite pre-match ticketing disputes—to witness a pulsating encounter filled with twists, penalties, and late drama.
Match Recap: A Rollercoaster at Wembley
First Half: Own Goal Gifts Southend the Lead
Southend started brightly, pressing Oldham high and forcing errors. Their early pressure paid off in the 18th minute when Oldham defender Jordan Monthe inadvertently turned a low cross into his own net under pressure from Southend striker Harry Cardwell.
Oldham struggled to find rhythm, with Southend’s midfield trio of Jack Bridge, Noor Husin, and Cav Miley controlling possession. However, just before halftime, the Latics were handed a lifeline when referee Sam Allison awarded a penalty after Gus Scott-Morriss fouled Mike Fondop in the box.
Danny Garner stepped up and coolly slotted home the equaliser (1-1, 45+2′), sending the teams into the break level.
Second Half: Tense but Goalless
Both sides had chances after the restart, with Southend’s Callum Powell forcing a sharp save from Oldham keeper Mat Hudson, while at the other end, James Norwood headed just wide.
The game grew increasingly scrappy, with fouls and stoppages breaking up play. Despite late pushes from both teams, neither could find a winner in regulation time, sending the match to extra time.
Extra Time: Late Drama Seals Oldham’s Return to the EFL
- Southend Strike First (1-1 → 2-1): Just three minutes into extra time, Southend regained the lead when Oli Coker’s pinpoint cross was met by Henry Sandat, whose header was parried by Hudson—only for Jack Wood to nod in the rebound.
- Oldham Fight Back (2-2): But the Latics refused to surrender. In the 105th minute, veteran striker James Norwood pounced on a loose ball in the box to fire home and level the score again.
- Heartbreak for Southend (2-3): Then, in the 113th minute, Oldham completed the turnaround when substitute Joe Harratt’s speculative cross from the left somehow evaded everyone, including Southend keeper Collin Andeng Ndi, and crept in at the far post for the winner.
Southend threw everything forward in the dying minutes, but Oldham held firm to spark wild celebrations among their fans.
Key Talking Points
1. Oldham’s Resilience Wins the Day
Despite trailing twice, Oldham showed remarkable character to fight back. Their experience in big moments—particularly from Norwood and Garner—proved decisive.
2. Southend’s Missed Opportunity
The Shrimpers will rue defensive lapses, particularly the soft winning goal, which summed up a frustrating afternoon. After scraping into the play-offs on the final day, they fell just short at Wembley.
3. Record Crowd Despite Ticket Chaos
A National League record 52,115 fans attended, despite complaints over ticket allocations. The atmosphere was electric, proving the huge demand for EFL promotion.
What’s Next?
- Oldham Athletic return to League Two after three years away.
- Southend United face another season in the National League, with questions over manager Kevin Maher’s future.
Final Thoughts
This was a classic Wembley play-off final—full of drama, tension, and late twists. Oldham’s never-say-die attitude earned them promotion, while Southend must regroup for another push next season.
Man of the Match: James Norwood (Oldham) – Scored the crucial equaliser and led the line superbly.
What did you think of the match? Let us know in the comments!
