Oldham Athletic boosted their play-off hopes with a crucial 2-0 victory over FC Halifax Town at Boundary Park, capitalising on key moments to secure all three points and consolidate their position in the National League table.
The opening half was a tight, tactical affair, with both sides struggling to gain a foothold in midfield. The deadlock was broken in the 28th minute when a flowing Oldham move culminated in Jordan Rossiter sliding a perfectly weighted pass through to Kian Harratt, who calmly slotted the ball past Halifax goalkeeper Sam Johnson. A setback for the visitors followed shortly after in the 34th minute, as Johnson was forced off through injury, replaced by Nathaniel Ford. Halifax rallied in search of an equaliser, but the Latics’ defence remained resolute, preserving their advantage going into the break.
Halifax manager Chris Millington made a double substitution at half-time, introducing Lewis Leigh and Zak Emmerson to revitalise their attack. Despite the changes, Oldham continued to dictate the tempo. As Halifax desperately sought a route back into the match, Festus Arthur made way for Tom Pugh in the 67th minute, followed later by Owen Bray replacing Joshua Emmanuel. Oldham manager John Sheridan responded in the 74th minute, bringing on Dan Gardner for Tom Conlon. This substitution paved the way for the decisive second goal, although it was Gardner’s own replacement, Mike Fondop-Talum (introduced in the 77th minute), who ultimately sealed the victory. In the 91st minute, a delightful through-ball from Tom Pett found Fondop-Talum, who confidently dispatched the chance to make it 2-0. Halifax’s frustrations were compounded in the 88th minute when Adam Alimi-Adetoro received a yellow card for a foul.
The victory sees Oldham strengthen their grip on a play-off spot, moving to fourth in the National League with 66 points. Halifax remain in fifth place on 62 points. The result reverses the recent head-to-head record between the two sides, with Halifax having won three of the previous five encounters. The earlier 1-1 draw between these two teams this season underscores Oldham’s improved form and their determination to achieve promotion.