YORK, England — York City and Oldham Athletic go head-to-head on Tuesday night, May 20, 2025, at LNER Community Stadium for a vital National League semi-final playoff clash. Both teams are vying for a prized spot in the English Football League after a hard-fought season.
The Minstermen, having ended the regular season as the second-placed team in the National League, secured their semi-final berth directly, while Oldham had to battle their way through the quarter-finals, defeating Halifax Town with a commanding 4-0 scoreline. This makes for a high-stakes matchup where only the best will progress to the final at Wembley.
York City has been in stellar form as they aim for a return to the English Football League for the first time since facing relegation in 2015-16. The team finished with an impressive run, remaining undefeated in their last eight matches, with seven wins and a draw. The brief 15-day break they enjoyed prior to this semi-final should give them an edge.
Coach Michael Hinshelwood’s side will have the benefit of playing at home, a ground where they have recorded 16 wins, four draws, and just three losses this season. With confidence running high among the players, York City appears ready to tackle the challenge posed by Oldham.
Conversely, Oldham Athletic, once a Premier League team, is working toward regaining its status after the dramatic fall to the National League. Their recent playoff win has lifted spirits, and they enter this semi-final filled with determination, looking to secure their first promotion since 1990-91.
Oldham’s recent form, however, has been mixed. They finished fifth in the league this season and would like to improve their visiting record at York, where they have drawn all three of their past encounters, each ending in 1-1. Manager Derek Mellon hopes to maintain the winning momentum established against Halifax.
Hinshelwood is expected to field a team similar to the one that recently beat Eastleigh. Star forward Nathan Thomas will be crucial, having scored consistently throughout the season and leading the goal-scoring chart. Oldham may stick with the same lineup due to their strong performance in the last round.
The tension is building as both teams prepare to fight for glory and a much-coveted place in the EFL, where the fourth tier awaits the worthy champion of this playoff showdown.
Do you have a news tip for NNN? Please email us at editor@nnn.ng
