Overview

• Oldham recovered from conceding an early own-goal and trailing again in extra time to win 3-2 at Wembley, with Joe Garner converting a penalty before James Norwood and Kian Harratt struck in extra time.
• Despite transport-related ticket caps, Wembley expanded its allocation to host a record 52,115 spectators for a non-league play-off final.
• The clubs sold over 20,000 tickets for Oldham and nearly 29,000 for Southend, underlining strong community support after seasons of hardship.
• Both teams overcame years of financial mismanagement and ownership upheavals—Oldham now under Frank Rothwell and Southend backed by new Australian investors.
• The victory ends Oldham’s three-year absence from league football, securing promotion to League Two ahead of the 2025–26 season.