In what’s being hailed as one of the most dramatic playoff finals in recent memory, Oldham Athletic defied the odds and re-wrote their comeback story under the Wembley arch—and defender Reagan Ogle couldn’t be prouder. Reflecting on their epic 3-2 victory over Southend United, Ogle called it a “warrior’s warzone” and gave fans an inside look at the grit, belief, and emotion that powered the team’s return to the Football League.
Having sailed through their earlier playoff rounds—dispatching Halifax and York City without conceding a single goal—many fans expected a similarly comfortable showing in the final. But Southend had other plans, and Latics were dragged into a 120-minute dogfight that tested their mental and physical strength.
“It didn’t go how we really wanted, the first two games – I wouldn’t say we did it with ease but we did it quite comfortably,” Ogle admitted, while speaking from the heart just moments after the final whistle. “But it was a hard-fought game (against Southend), 120 minutes’ worth of football, the boys dug deep and gave it everything they had and left it all out there and we can’t fault any of them.”
Oldham had to come from behind twice to keep their dream alive. Many thought Southend, who were already seasoned in the agony of extra time after playing two back-to-back games that went the distance, would hold the advantage.
“Southend were probably the favourites in that (extra time) scenario because they’d gone to 120 both times in their games and then penalties in one of them,” Ogle reflected. “But the boys never faltered, they dug deep in every minute of that game and came out on top.”
The moment of magic came courtesy of a sublime assist from Ogle, who set up Kian Harratt for what would prove to be the match-winner—and the goal that would send Latics fans into euphoria.
“I believed when we went down we could easily get back into it,” Ogle said. “And then when we went to 2-2 I said to a couple of the lads ‘they’re gone here’ and we ended up getting that third straight away, and we did it!”
For Ogle, who joined the club last summer from Scunthorpe United, the final whistle was not just the end of a match—it was a full-stop on a personal journey of perseverance. “I think it was more the fact that I could just rest and stop running; I didn’t have to run again. It was more relief that the game was over and we’d won,” he laughed.
That relief quickly turned to joy as Ogle took in the sight of over 21,000 Latics fans roaring in celebration, their faces filled with emotion and pride.
“It was wonderful seeing all the fans and how happy they were. At the end of the day, that’s what we wanted for them. It was amazing!”
Adding even more sentiment to the day was the presence of Ogle’s parents, who flew halfway across the globe from Australia just to witness this historic moment.
“That means the most to me,” he shared, his voice tinged with heartfelt emotion. “It makes it a special day.”
And special it was—not just for Reagan Ogle or the Latics squad, but for every supporter who has stood by the club through thick and thin. Their journey back into the Football League wasn’t just a match—it was a resurrection, a roar, a reminder that underdog stories still belong in football.
Oldham Athletic didn’t just win at Wembley. They fought, they rose, and they conquered.
