Latics see off play-off chasing rivals
Reporter: Mark Rooney
Date published: 21 March 2025
Latics beat Halifax Town 2-0
Two goals, one in each half, gave Latics a crucial victory over promotion play-off rivals Halifax Town in front of a Boundary Park crowd of 7,256.
The result strengthened their position as fourth in the National League table with just seven games remaining.
Latics made three changes from last week’s 1-1 derby draw against Rochdale including a new pairing up front, James Norwood partnering Kian Harratt, with Mike Fondop and Billy Waters dropping to the bench.
Shaun Hobson came into the defence replacing the injured Reagan Ogle.
The first half was a largely lacklustre affair, with the only shot of note early on when a superb pass from captain Tom Conlon found Harratt in space in the second minute, but his on target shot was gathered comfortably by Halifax keeper Sam Johnson.
But on 28 minutes Oldham took the lead.
The move leading up to the goal was started by an enterprising run from left wing back Mark Kitching.
His cross into the opponent’s box was only partially cleared, Jordan Rossiter headed the ball back into danger where Harratt expertly turned and fired the ball past Johnson and into the net for his first goal for the club.
The only other notable thing from the first 45 minutes was the injury to Johnson who had to be replaced by young keeper Nathaniel Ford in the Halifax goal.
With so much at stake for both sides, the second half was understandably tense as the visitors pressed to get back into the game and Oldham continued to keep tight defensively whilst looking sharp going forward.
But both defences remained resolute and both Tom Donaghy and Ford were rarely threatened in their respective goals.
Latics made two substitutions midway through the second half, Fondop on for man of the match Harratt and Gardner replacing the industrious Conlon.
The tension in the crowd was palpable as Latics defended a one goal lead - but in the second minute of stoppage time there was relief for the home crowd when they added a second.
It came from a predictable source, an unmarked Fondop heading Tom Pett’s right wing corner into the goal for his fifteenth league goal of the season helping them secure the win in such a vital game.
“It is a really important victory for us,” said manager Micky Mellon after the game,
“A really good performance so we are really pleased.”
On what pleased him most about the performance he said it was “playing the type of football that is needed to get results at this stage of the season.”
“It is a battle, it is a scrap, the pitches are bouncing and bobbly and it takes a lot of heart and character, when you get the opportunities, to show those qualities that are needed for a type of game like that to go and get results, and defend in the right way as well.
“I thought the players were superb at that today.”
Latics' next action is on the road next Saturday when they travel to Southend United for a live televised match.
Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something going on in and around Oldham? Let us know by emailing news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk , calling our Oldham-based newsroom on 0161 633 2121 , tweeting us @oldhamchronicle or messaging us through our Facebook page. All contact will be treated in confidence.
