Matchday 96 saw us heading north to Boundary Park, home of Oldham Athletic. This was the first of two newly promoted clubs we’d be visiting this season following their return to the Football League from the National League. For me, this felt like more than just another ground to tick off – Oldham is a club with real history and significance in English football. They were part of the inaugural Premier League in 1992, and while their fortunes have fluctuated dramatically since then, to see them back in the Football League was a special moment. They also hold the rather unwanted distinction of being the only club to fall from the top flight all the way down into non-league – something that underlines just how turbulent their journey has been. Being here for their first season back carried a sense of optimism that perhaps this could be the start of a slow climb back up the pyramid.
The trip was made even more memorable as I had managed to win two tickets through Sky’s VIP Reward scheme after entering their ballot. A big thank you to Sky and Oldham for providing the tickets – it made the occasion extra special for both me and Liam. To make it a family day, I’d also contacted Oldham in advance to ensure we had the correct ticket information so that Grandad Steve could buy a seat nearby so we could all sit together.
We set off from Wolverley Caravan Site at 10:00, Liam and I picking up Grandad Steve along the way. The weather was appalling for most of the journey – torrential rain and high winds all the way up to Greater Manchester – and traffic wasn’t much kinder. I made a mistake avoiding one queue, missing a junction, which ended up costing us an extra 45 minutes thanks to a multi-vehicle collision and a broken-down car. For a time, I wasn’t entirely sure we’d make kick-off. Luckily, the early start we’d planned meant we had time to spare, which eased the nerves a little.
Despite the delays, we managed to keep another challenge alive – visiting as many Wetherspoons pubs as possible. This stop allowed me to tick off my 155th Spoons: The Up Steps Inn in Oldham town centre. I stuck with tradition and ordered a pint of Ruddles, while Liam treated himself to his favourite dessert, a Cookie Crunch sundae. Grandad Steve, true to form, enjoyed the pre-match ritual. With the ground just a short 10-minute drive from there, it was the perfect place to relax before the match.
When we reached the stadium, we had a short walk from our parking spot. Thankfully, by now the rain had finally stopped, making the stroll up to Boundary Park a pleasant one. First stop was the club shop for our customary matchday scarf. The signage around the stadium wasn’t the clearest, and we had to ask a couple of stewards before finding it. The scarf I picked up turned out to be a brilliant choice – it was from Oldham’s 3–2 National League Play-Off Final win at Wembley earlier this year against Southend United, the very victory that sealed their return to the Football League. At the time, I hadn’t even realised, so it felt like fate that this was the one I took home.
We also grabbed a matchday programme before heading towards our stand. Once again, digital tickets caused some confusion – no clear indication of which turnstiles or stand entrance we needed, which is something so many clubs could easily improve. After looping around to the opposite side of the ground, we eventually made our way in. No bag checks or ticket scans beyond the basics, which was surprising compared to some grounds we’ve visited.
With around 15 minutes to kick-off, we found our seats, snapped a few photos, and soaked up the atmosphere. It was quickly clear the game wasn’t going to be a sell-out, with swathes of empty seats across the stands. The seating itself reminded me of Anfield – cramped, with very little legroom. At one point I felt as though the man in front of me was practically sat on my lap. Fortunately, at half-time we were able to spread out into empty seats, which made the second half far more comfortable.
On the pitch, it was a tight and competitive game. Oldham edged possession and created more chances, but it was hardly a one-sided affair. The decisive moment came late on, in the 82nd minute, when Fondop-Talom rose above his marker to head in the winner. The roar from the home fans was a mixture of joy and relief. They held on through five minutes of stoppage time to secure a crucial 1–0 win, lifting themselves up to 14th place in what looks like a very congested and competitive League Two table.
We made our exit right on the 90th minute, hoping to beat the traffic – and it paid off. The drive back to the Midlands only took two hours, far smoother than the journey up.
Despite the bad weather, traffic chaos, and a few frustrations with signage and seating, it was still a brilliant day out. Seeing Oldham back in the Football League and securing a win made the trip worthwhile. It was another ground ticked off, another scarf added to the collection, and another memory made with Liam and Grandad Steve.
Only Barnet now left for the current 92.
5 Facts about Oldham Athletic
- Oldham Athletic were founder members of the Premier League in 1992 and spent three seasons in the top flight before relegation in 1994.
- They are the only club to have been relegated from the Premier League all the way down to the National League, before their promotion back in 2025.
- Boundary Park, their home ground since 1904, is one of the highest-altitude professional football stadiums in England, standing over 500 feet above sea level.
- The club’s nickname is “The Latics,” and they traditionally play in blue kits.
- Their most successful period came under manager Joe Royle in the early 1990s, when they reached an FA Cup semi-final, a League Cup final, and secured promotion to the top flight.