Oldham Just Pulled Off the Most Ridiculous Comeback I've Ever Seen

By Lewis Barnett 1 June, 2025 6 mins read 83 Views

Jesus Christ. I'm still shaking after watching that.

Two goals in two minutes. In extra time. At Wembley. After being behind TWICE. This is why I love football and why it drives me absolutely mental at the same time. Oldham Athletic - a club that literally had fans carrying coffins around their stadium four years ago - just clawed their way back into the Football League with the kind of drama that makes you question your life choices as a sports writer.

Audio Summary of the Article

When Death Becomes Life

Look, I've covered some wild stuff over the years, but this Oldham story hits different. 2021 - actual coffins outside Boundary Park. Fans mourning their club like it was a funeral. Then Frank Rothwell shows up like some kind of football messiah, throws his money at the problem, and now here we are watching his investment pay off in the most bonkers way possible.

Darren Royle was there watching from the stands - Joe Royle's son, if you're keeping track of the family connections. Must've been sweating bullets.

Everything That Could Go Wrong Did Go Wrong (Until It Didn't)

Five minutes in, Oldham's defense had a complete meltdown. Charley Kendall clips a ball over the top, Emmanuel Monthe panics like he's never seen a football before, and somehow manages to lob his own keeper. I mean, what are the odds? You spend weeks preparing for a Wembley final and your center-back decides to become Southend's best striker.

Then Vimal Yoganathan - and I had to double-check that spelling three times - misses from two yards out. Two yards! My nan could've scored that one, and she's been dead for six years.

Mike Fondop was absolutely livid with his teammate. You could see him screaming across the pitch. Then the same guy goes and dinked a one-on-one just wide of the post. Football, eh?

The Comeback Kids Strike Back

Second half, different story entirely.

Monthe - bless him - decides to make up for that howler by getting himself fouled in the box. Proper old-school penalty, Ben Goodliffe just hauled him down like he was wrestling a bear. Joe Garner steps up, slots it home. Cool as you like. That's three goals in three playoff games for the veteran.

I thought we were heading for a nice, tidy 1-1 draw and maybe some penalties. Shows what I know.

Extra Time Madness (Or: How I Nearly Had a Heart Attack)

Thirty-nine seconds into extra time. Thirty-nine! Mathew Hudson flaps at a cross like he's swatting flies, palms it straight to Leon Chambers-Parillon who nods it in. At this point, I'm thinking Southend's got this wrapped up. Their fans are going mental, Oldham looks deflated.

Then James Norwood happened.

This man collected a hopeful punt - and I mean hopeful, like Sunday league hopeful - showed footwork that would make Messi jealous, lifted it over the keeper, and finished into an empty net. Premier League quality, that finish. Absolutely ridiculous technique.

Two minutes later, Kian Harratt swings in what looked like a cross, everyone in red shirts just... watches it roll into the net. I'm not even sure Harratt meant it as a shot, but who cares? Football doesn't ask about your intentions.

The Aftermath

Poor Southend. They scraped into the playoffs, needed penalties to reach the final, and then watched their redemption story crumble in the space of 120 seconds. That's football for you - beautiful and brutal in equal measure.

Micky Mellon's going to be buying drinks for months after this one. His team finished five points clear of Southend in the regular season, sailed through the playoffs without conceding, then nearly threw it all away before pulling off this miracle.

Four years from coffins to League Two. If that doesn't give you goosebumps, you might want to check your pulse.

Now excuse me while I go lie down. My heart rate still hasn't returned to normal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Premier League Football?

Premier League, the highest-level football league in England, is also one of the best and most popular leagues in domestic football. It is contested between 20 teams. The English Football League (EFL) operates a system for promotion and relegation. The teams compete every year, each playing 38 matches at home and away. Typically the season lasts from August to May. The Premier League's high-quality, star-studded football and global appeal are known worldwide.

Do Premier League clubs have any financial regulations?

Financial Fair Play (FFP), also known as Premier League financial regulations, is intended to keep clubs from overspending and to encourage financial stability. These rules require that clubs limit their losses and make sure they do not outspend their revenues from football activities. The regulations are in place to encourage responsible spending and to maintain competitive balance within the league.

What do you think of the Premier League concept called the 'Big Six?

The term 'Big Six" refers to the Premier League clubs that have been most influential and successful in recent years. Manchester United is usually included, as are Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea. Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur may also be on the list. These teams are known as having a strong fan base with a lot of money, for their high-level performances, and for qualifying frequently for European tournaments like the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, and UEFA Cup.

How has Premier League evolved from its creation?

The Premier League's evolution has been significant since its creation in 1993. The Premier League was formed in 1992 as a breakaway group from the Football League, to capitalize on lucrative television deals. Since then, it has grown into a global sporting phenomenon, attracting top talent from all over the world, undergoing branding changes, and experiencing massive increases in revenue. The league has also experienced advancements in sport science, training facilities and stadium technologies. This has contributed to an overall improvement of the football spectacle.

What community initiatives are supported by the Premier League?

The Premier League supports a wide range of community initiatives aimed at improving lives through football. The Premier League supports a wide range of community initiatives aimed at improving lives through football. These include sports and education programs for youth, promoting inclusion for underrepresented groups, and supporting social change projects using football. Premier League has a global reach that allows it to have a positive impact in and outside the UK. It emphasizes football's capacity to contribute to society's well-being.

Statistics

Ryan Giggs holds the distinction of scoring in 21 consecutive Premier League seasons, marking consistency seldom seen in such a demanding league.
The 2018–19 season saw Manchester City accumulate a staggering 100 points, setting the record for the highest total in Premier League history.
Petr Čech set a remarkable defensive record during the 2004-2005 season with 24 clean sheets, the most by a goalkeeper in a single Premier League season.
Durability is exemplified by Gareth Barry who made an impressive 653 Premier League appearances, the highest number to date.
The record for the most goals scored in a single Premier League season by a player is 32, achieved by Mohamed Salah during the 2017-2018 campaign.

External Links

How To

How To Stream Premier League Games Online

Multiple platforms allow you to stream live Premier League matches. Sign up with a Premier League provider, such as NBC Sports for the United States and Sky Sports and BT Sport for the UK. You will need a stable connection to stream high-quality content. Many services provide mobile apps to allow you watch games while traveling. You should always check for any geographic restrictions and to make sure that you are subscribed in order to view content legally.

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