Oldham Athletic walking football team returned to action for their first fixture of 2026.
Wearing their new match kit, kindly sponsored by Kingdom People, Oldham faced local rivals Shaw in an entertaining contest played in excellent spirit throughout.
Shaw started brightly and took an early lead with a precise finish from a tight angle following neat build-up play. The early stages were largely controlled by Shaw, who were denied a further advantage by Oldham goalkeeper John Shawcross, who produced a couple of fine saves to keep his side in the contest.
Oldham made a tactical change after 20 minutes, which had an immediate impact. A quickly taken free kick was worked into striker John Caulfield, whose awareness allowed him to lay the ball back first time for substitute John Barker, who rifled a low shot into the bottom corner to level the scores.
Oldham grew in confidence as the half progressed, with both sides creating good chances, but the score remained 1–1 at the interval.
The second half began in much the same manner, with Shaw again taking the early initiative. Two quick-fire goals gave them a 3–1 advantage, putting Oldham under pressure once more.
However, the response was positive.
Oldham Athletic Walking Football Team
Caulfield went close to reducing the deficit with a fierce strike that narrowly missed the target, before Oldham’s increased intensity was rewarded with a penalty following the accumulation of running offences. Barker stepped up and calmly converted for his second goal of the game.
Soon after, the scores were level again, as a well-struck effort from John Tierney found the bottom corner via a wicked deflection. The game was finely balanced at this stage, and Oldham were unlucky not to take the lead when a reaction save from the Shaw goalkeeper denied them.
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The turning point came with nine minutes remaining when Shaw regained the lead. Oldham pushed forward in search of an equaliser, but were caught on the break, with two late goals ensuring Shaw ran out eventual 6–3 winners.
This is Oldham’s first season in league walking football, and while a first league win has yet to be recorded, the team have been competitive in every fixture to date. That breakthrough victory surely feels just around the corner.
Oldham Athletic walking football team would like to express their sincere thanks to shirt sponsors Kingdom People, a UK-wide recruitment and staffing provider delivering permanent, temporary and contract workforce solutions across multiple sectors.
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Author: The Walking Football
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