Oldham Athletic produced a surprising extra-time comeback to beat Southend United 3-2 within the Nationwide League play-off closing.
The Latics have now returned to League Two after being relegated from the English Soccer League in 2022.
An own-goal from Manny Monthe put Southend forward at Wembley within the fifth minute earlier than Oldham equalised by a penalty from Joe Garner within the forty eighth minute.
The match ended 1-1, so extra-time was wanted and the Shrimpers scored one other early aim, with Leon Chambers-Parillon firing residence within the 91st minute.
Oldham fought again once more due to James Norwood within the a hundred and tenth minute and the drama continued two minutes later within the second half of extra-time.
Kian Harratt watched his inswinging cross nestle into the again of the web to place his facet in entrance for the primary time on the day.
It sparked jubilation from the visiting Oldham followers, who celebrated on the full-time whistle when their promotion was secured.
The Latics have returned to the EFL and League Two after ending twelfth and tenth within the final two campaigns respectively within the Nationwide League.
Oldham’s promotion can also be their first in 34 years, with the 1990/91 season that final time they rose up the divisions.
Each golf equipment introduced immense assist to Wembley to set a Nationwide League attendance file of 52,115 followers.
“I really feel unbelievable. It is the second time I’ve performed it right here,” Harratt mentioned to DAZN.
“It has been some years since we have been promoted,” the match-winner added. “Hopefully we are able to go on subsequent season and attempt to get one other.”
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In the meantime, Oldham boss Micky Mellon, who joined in October 2023, delightedly remarked: “I am speechless.
“Soccer… That is what it is all about in the event you’re on the successful facet of it. I am elated. My gamers have been unbelievable.
“What a day, it can by no means go away you, at the present time.”
Oldham’s final promotion in 1991 got here by ending high of the Soccer League Second Division.
They spent three consecutive seasons within the English top-flight and had been one of many 22 sides within the inaugural Premier League marketing campaign.
Nevertheless, they suffered relegations in 1994 and 1997 to drop right down to the third tier, which is the place they’d keep for 21 years.
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Oldham then slumped into League Two in 2018 after which the Nationwide League 4 years later.
However Mellon’s facet will return to the English Soccer League for the 2025/26 season after their win over Southend on Sunday.
They be part of Nationwide League champions Barnet within the fourth tier.