Oldham Athletic 3-0 Accrington Stanley The One Where the Season Ended in the Sunshine

​There are last days of the season and then there are LAST DAYS OF THE SEASON. Today was firmly the latter — and I wasn’t watching from my usual spot in the Jimmy Frizzell end but from the players’ lounge. Different view. Different vibe. Same passionate Latics fan wearing her heart on her sleeve.

But before we get to the game, a moment for the occasion itself. Today was the ball crew’s final game. Two seasons done, and what two seasons to have picked. Promotion back into the English Football League. Then this season — a 10th place finish. If you’d written that script two years ago nobody would have believed you. I hope those kids are friends for life because the memories they’ve made are genuinely special. Bitter sweet doesn’t quite cover it.

Special mention too for the ground staff — the pitch looked absolutely immaculate. Someone deserves a very long holiday.

And before kick off, as always, a moment of quiet reflection for those we’ve lost along the way this season. RIP to them all. I hope wherever you are, you still get to watch the Latics.

The build up

Accrington Stanley today — a side who have beaten us 3-1 in the League Cup and 1-0 away in the league this season, so no gimme. My personal agenda though? A clean sheet. Matt Hudson had a golden glove and a club record in his sights, and after last week’s scare I was just so relieved to see his name back on the team sheet fit and well.

The line looked different — no Fondop, no Drummond — but this is a team that has had 15 different scorers this season. Goals can come from anywhere.

Oh, and before kick off — never underestimate the power of a good cottage pie. I have never seen a group of young lads inhale food quite like the ball crew did in the players lounge before heading pitchside one last time. Fuel for the occasion.

First half

And speaking of goals coming from anywhere — it was Simeu who opened the scoring. A great ball whipped in from the wing and he powered home a header. His first goal for the club. That’s 16 different scorers this season, since you’re counting. 1-0.

We dominated but couldn’t add to the tally before the break. 1-0 at half time. Comfortable without being settled.

Second half

For a change we were attacking the Rochdale Road end in the second half which from the players lounge meant I had a cracking view of the action. Perfect timing as it turned out.

Early on, Joe Garner was withdrawn to a thoroughly deserved standing ovation. What a season this man has had. On came Ogle, back from injury, which meant Will Sutton moving up front. Come on Will.

And then Taylor. Great build up play — Payne and Pett combining to play him in — and he slotted home his first goal of the season. 2-0. That’s 17 different players on the scoresheet this season. Remarkable.

The game was well controlled from there. Around the 70 minute mark Hawkes and Payne made way for Hammond and Leake — and almost immediately the third went in. Was it Will Sutton? Was it Jake Leake? The scoresheet says Leake, I thought it was Will, but either way — 3-0, and if it is Leake that’s 18 different goalscorers this season. Eighteen. Let that sink in.

Hudson. The golden glove. The record 

It’s fair to say Accrington didn’t test Hudson much — but near the end he produced two brilliant stops that felt like the football gods making sure he got what he deserved. The golden glove. The club clean sheet record. Broken.

As a goalkeeper mum I was absolutely bursting watching that. Because I know Odie has spent two seasons sitting behind that goal, watching Hudson, listening to him, absorbing everything. And I see it coming out in his own game week after week. Watching your kid be inspired by someone doing their craft brilliantly — there’s nothing quite like it.

Odie also got an incredible photo of Hudson lifting the golden glove. And the official photographer — absolute legend — let him have a go with his proper camera. I watched my son handle a very expensive piece of kit with my heart firmly in my mouth. He was fine. I was not.

And the day had one more special moment to deliver. With the game secured, on came two debutants — 19-year-old Frankie McMahon-Brown and 16-year-old Isaac Anderson. What a moment for both of them and their families. Your first appearance in blue and white, on the last day of the season, in front of your home fans. Memories that will last a lifetime. The future is bright. 💙

Full time and everything after

After the final whistle the players walked the pitch with their families in glorious sunshine. Seeing them with their kids, relaxed, enjoying the moment — that’s what football is really about. Special mention to Tom Conlon’s little one who scored an absolute beauty near the players lounge and got a huge cheer. Future Latic? We’ll claim them now.

And then the moment that finished me off entirely — the ball crew out on the pitch for a kickaround. What a way to end it. Topped off perfectly in the fans bar.

Seasons reflections

Best goal at Boundary Park this season? Michael Mellon’s overhead kick in the FA Cup. No question.

Best away goal? Mike Fondop’s chip at Tranmere — and yes, the Tequila singalong that followed made it my favourite away day of the season too.

Most bizarre moment? Woods’ overhead kick straight into the Joe Royle Stand — and then just casually walking away like he’d meant to do it all along. Absolutely unhinged. Loved it. 😁

To the players and staff — rest up, you’ve earned it. We go again next season. Odie will be back in the stands with me rather than pitchside — a strange adjustment for both of us — but we’ll be there. We’re always there.

Lots of photos from the day going up on the blog too — including a certain golden glove moment.

What a season. Come on you Latics. 💙