Former Blues strikers Joe Garner and James Norwood netted for Oldham Athletic as the Latics staged a dramatic late turnaround in extra-time to beat Southend United 3-2 in the National League play-off final and claim a place in League Two.

The Shrimpers, who featured three Town players in their squad, ex-loanee Macauley Bonne, who came off the bench in the second half, keeper Nick Hayes and skipper Nathan Ralph, both former Blues academy players, took an early lead via a Manny Monthé own goal.

Garner, now 37, levelled from the penalty spot three minutes after half-time and the score remained the same until the first minute of extra-time when Leon Chambers-Parillon put the Essex side in front.

The Roots Hall club looked on their way back into the EFL until the Latics bagged a quick-fire double on 112 and 114 through Norwood, who had come on as a sub for Garner, and Kian Harratt to make their return to the EFL after three years away.

“I was angry about the chance I missed in the 93rd minute but I knew I just had to wait for another chance,” Norwood said afterwards.

“It’s massive, it means everything. The club was minutes away from going out of business and the owner saved them.

“I’m delighted we’ve won - it means a lot to the town, the place, the club, the players, it’s just everything to us.”

Photo: Action Images/John Sibley

victorysquad added 19:03 - Jun 1 Norwood was always a natural finisher, pleased for them both.
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Steve_ITFC_Sweden added 20:36 - Jun 1 So Colchester will have to wait a while longer to resume their rivalry with Sarfend.
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cornishnick added 21:12 - Jun 1 Macauley Bonne has fallen a long way. When he first joined us he was on fire. He’s still only 29 but struggles to hit a barn door in the national league
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chorltonskylineblue added 21:38 - Jun 1 Tough on Nick Hayes, wasn't he on the losing side with Solihull Moors in last year's play off final?
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trncbluearmy added 04:15 - Jun 2 Watched interested to see Macauley Bonne, what on earth has happened there?!, he was awful, missed a couple of decent chances one with an embarrassing lower Sunday league airkick Southend bit unlucky, but Nors was always going to score it's what he does
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Linkboy13 added 06:56 - Jun 2 Having experienced the wrath of the Southend supporters they are not the most welcoming i am delighted for Oldham. I don't think Norwood was a massive scorer at Ipswich a case of looking back and imagining things were better than they actually were but all players have their supporters no matter how good or bad they are.
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SamWhiteUK added 10:02 - Jun 2 Linkboy, Norwood had a ratio of one goal every ~3 games here, a decent record at any level.
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WeWereZombies added 10:28 - Jun 2 Joe Royle will be happy.
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Radlett_blue added 10:56 - Jun 2 I wonder what happened to Norwood's appeal against his second drink-driving ban?
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bobble added 12:25 - Jun 2 Do you get banned from driving because of a 2nd drink ?
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johnwarksshorts added 12:58 - Jun 2 Shame. Wanted Southend to win. But congrats to Oldham.
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coolcat added 16:45 - Jun 2 Also wanted Southend to win. Well done to Oldham though. Was a shame it wasn't on the TV. 2 clubs, fallen from grace, somewhat, battling to get back into the league.
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davidsc1971 added 17:41 - Jun 2 Match was on DAZN. So I was in the record crowd yesterday and thoroughly enjoyed the occasion. Wanted Southend to win as I was born close by, but Oldham were the better side overall and deserved the result. Both sides left everything on the pitch and it was a great advert for the National League
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Northstandveteran added 17:57 - Jun 2 The premier league started in 1992/93. Oldham, Luton and Notts County were present along with our newly promoted selves.
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Tractor_Boy_in_HK added 05:30 - Jun 3 Nice to see a lot of ITFC alums do well. I didn't realise Garner was still going! Really pleased Nick Hayes has made a career out of it - he was wasting away as our 3rd/4th keeper. Not sure what's happened to Macauley Bonne but I wouldn't even put money on lad to score in a brothel.
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