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History

ON THIS DAY: May 11, 1991

11 May 2017

History

ON THIS DAY: May 11, 1991

11 May 2017

On this day in 1991, late drama at Boundary Park saw Oldham Athletic win the Second Division title.

In one of the club's most remarkable games in it's history, Sheffield Wednesday came to spoil the party for championship-seeking Latics. 

It was the last game of the 1990/91 season and West Ham United were in the first place in the Second Division, whilst the Blues were second and Wednesday occupied third.

To make it even more interesting, the Hammers were hosting fourth placed Notts County. 

West Ham eventually lost 2-1, but as news filtered through that Latics were losing 2-0, celebrations began throughout the terraces of Upton Park but the jubilation was set to be premature.

Joe Royle's men remarkably pulled back the score to 2-2, which would have been good enough to give the Londoners the trophy.

With all other games ended, referee Vic Callow allowed more time to compensate for the stoppages in the match. 

After 92 minutes, current Latics' manager, John Sheridan brought down Andy Barlow for a penalty to the home side. 

Neil Redfern stepped up to take the kick but the referee booked a Sheffield player, adding to the tension. 

When the midfielder eventually strode up to hit it, he cooly converted his most important goal ever, sending Boundary Park into a frenzy.

Fans invaded the pitch in sheer amazement at the drama that had just unfoulded before their eyes, a last minute goal to win the league.

The trophy arrived by courier at Boundary Park, but much to the embarrassment of the Football League officials, it was engraved with West Ham's name on it. 


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