Oldham secure place in League Two after beating Southend

Oldham United have been promoted to League Two after beating Southend United 3-2 in a thrilling National League play-off final at Wembley Stadium.

Kevin Maher's Southend side took the lead in the fifth minute of the game when Manny Monthe put the ball past his own goalkeeper.

Oldham were level three minutes after half-time as veteran Joe Garner converted from the penalty spot, before both teams had chances to win the game inside the 90 minutes.

With neither side finding a winner in normal time, substitute Leon Chambers-Parillon headed home at the start of the extra-time to restore Southend's advantage.

Oldham then hit back in the second-half of extra-time as James Norwood rounded the goalkeeper to equalise in the 110th minute, before Kian Harratt's curled effort found the far corner to spark wild scenes amongst Oldham's supporters.

Southend, who were looking to end their four-year stay in the National League, pressed for an equaliser but their efforts were in vain as Oldham held firm and booked their place in League Two for next season.

Oldham's route to play-off success

Oldham finished fifth in the National League table, which meant that the club had to overcome two play-off ties to reach the final.

The Latics produced an emphatic display to breeze past Halifax 4-0 in the quarter-finals and set up a semi-final tie with a York side who amassed 96 points during the season.

But Oldham were in inspired form and Micky Mellon's side won 3-0 away from home to book their place at Wembley.

After bouncing back in extra-time to earn promotion at Wembley, Oldham will now be looking towards next season and how they can cement their place in the football league.

Matt Gibbs

• National League
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