Oldham Athletic comfortably defeated Ebbsfleet United at Boundary Park, with Joe Garner’s brace securing a 2-0 victory. Referee Richard Aspinall issued a number of yellow cards, particularly during a tense first half, indicative of the match’s intensity despite the teams’ differing league positions.
The first half began cautiously, punctuated by frequent fouls. Ebbsfleet’s Maxx Manktelow received the first booking, followed shortly by teammate Mustapha Olagunju, both cautioned for clumsy challenges. Oldham’s Jordan Rossiter also went into the referee’s book, reflecting the growing frustration on the pitch. The game shifted in the 36th minute when Oldham were awarded a penalty. Joe Garner converted the spot-kick, sending the home supporters into celebration and giving Oldham a vital lead. Before the interval, Aaron Bolger became the fourth player cautioned.
In the second half, Oldham sought to dictate the pace of the game, while Ebbsfleet struggled to gain a foothold. In the 63rd minute, Oldham made a double substitution, with Corry Evans replacing Jordan Rossiter and Mike Fondop-Talum coming on for Kian Harratt, a tactical move designed to strengthen the midfield and invigorate the attack. Shortly thereafter, Oldham’s Joe Pritchard received a yellow card. Ebbsfleet’s Toby Edser and Ben Chapman were then also cautioned in quick succession, underscoring the continued intensity in midfield. Ebbsfleet responded in the 72nd minute by replacing Aaron Cosgrave with Dominic Poleon, hoping to add attacking impetus. Oldham then substituted Tom Pett with Tom Conlon in the 77th minute. As the match progressed, Oldham appeared increasingly in control, managing the game effectively. In the 83rd minute, Jesurun Uchegbulam replaced Mark Kitching. In the 86th minute, Joe Garner scored his second goal, effectively sealing the victory for Oldham. Oldham then substituted Joe Garner with Josh Lundstram in added time, and saw out the remaining minutes with relative ease.
The win strengthens Oldham Athletic’s position in the play-off quarter-finals; they currently sit 5th with 73 points after 46 games. For Ebbsfleet United, the defeat confirms their relegation, as they sit at the bottom of the table with 22 points.