Match report

Oldham Defeats Walsall 2-1 In League Two Thriller

Walsall
Walsall
1–2
FT
Oldham
Oldham
Dec 29, 2025

Walsall were stunned by Oldham at Bescot Stadium as they conceded an early goal through Joe Garner before equalizing via Darius Kanu. However, a late winner from Kieran Harratt sealed the three points for Oldham in this League Two encounter.

Key Facts

  • • Oldham led early with Joe Garner's goal in the 15th minute.
  • • Walsall equalized through Darius Kanu at the 50-minute mark, assisted by J. Matt.
  • • Kieran Harratt scored the winning goal for Oldham in the 90th minute.
  • • Aden Flint and Ciaran Clarke received yellow cards for Walsall.
  • • Joe Garner and Kieran Payne were cautioned for Oldham.

Lineups

Walsall

Formation: 3-5-2

Starting XI

  • 1 M. Roberts (G)
  • 6 P. Farquharson (D)
  • 4 A. Flint (D)
  • 30 E. Weir (D)
  • 2 C. Barrett (M)
  • 29 R. Finnigan (M)
  • 14 B. Comley (M)
  • 17 C. Clarke (M)
  • 18 V. Harper (M)
  • 15 D. Kanu (F)
  • 9 J. Matt (F)

Substitutes

  • 12 S. Hornby
  • 8 C. Lakin
  • 19 A. Pressley
  • 22 J. Jellis
  • 25 J. Okeke
  • 33 R. Browne
  • 37 A. Adomah

Oldham

Formation: 5-3-2

Starting XI

  • 1 M. Hudson (G)
  • 20 J. Caprice (D)
  • 2 R. Ogle (D)
  • 5 D. Daniels (D)
  • 6 M. Monthe (D)
  • 24 J. Robson (D)
  • 4 T. Pett (M)
  • 8 R. Woods (M)
  • 26 K. Payne (M)
  • 15 K. Drummond (F)
  • 14 J. Garner (F)

Substitutes

  • 31 T. Donaghy
  • 16 W. Sutton
  • 17 J. Quigley
  • 18 K. Morris
  • 19 L. Hannant
  • 23 K. Harratt
  • 27 O. Hammond

Timeline

  1. Oldham
    15' Oldham Goal · Normal Goal
    Joe Garner · Assist: R. Woods
  2. Walsall
    36' Walsall subst · Substitution 1
    Off: P. Farquharson · On: R. Browne
  3. Walsall
    38' Walsall Card · Yellow Card
    Aden Flint

    Foul

  4. Oldham
    45'+2 Oldham Card · Yellow Card
    Joe Garner

    Foul

  5. Walsall
    50' Walsall Goal · Normal Goal
    D. Kanu · Assist: J. Matt
  6. Oldham
    56' Oldham Card · Yellow Card
    K. Payne

    Foul

  7. Oldham
    58' Oldham subst · Substitution 1
    Off: Joe Garner · On: Joe Quigley
  8. Walsall
    65' Walsall subst · Substitution 2
    Off: J. Matt · On: Aaron Pressley
  9. Walsall
    76' Walsall subst · Substitution 3
    Off: C. Barrett · On: J. Okeke
  10. Walsall
    77' Walsall subst · Substitution 4
    Off: R. Finnigan · On: C. Lakin
  11. Walsall
    77' Walsall subst · Substitution 5
    Off: D. Kanu · On: A. Adomah
  12. Oldham
    84' Oldham subst · Substitution 2
    Off: K. Drummond · On: K. Harratt
  13. Walsall
    87' Walsall Card · Yellow Card
    C. Clarke

    Foul

  14. Oldham
    90' Oldham Goal · Normal Goal
    K. Harratt · Assist: R. Woods

Match Stats

Stat Walsall Oldham
Fouls 13 15
Pass Accuracy 69% 59%
Offsides 0 4
Red Cards — —
Total Shots 11 18
Corners 4 7
Total Passes 301 267
Yellow Cards 2 2
Blocked Shots 3 3
Shots on Target 4 6
xG 0.87 1.44
Shots off Target 4 9
Possession 53% 47%
Goals Prevented — —
Accurate Passes 208 158
Shots Inside Box 9 7
Saves 4 3
Shots Outside Box 2 11

Key Match Notes

  • ▸ Oldham took the lead through Joe Garner's early goal, setting a strong tone for their performance.
  • ▸ Walsall leveled the score just before halftime with Darius Kanu's effort, providing a boost to their morale.
  • ▸ Kieran Harratt's late winner at the 90-minute mark shifted momentum decisively in Oldham's favor, securing them all three points.