Key Points
- Oldham Athletic hosted Huddersfield Town at Boundary Park in a League Two fixture on 14 February 2026, ending in a 1-1 draw.
- Huddersfield Town took the lead through forward Michal Helik in the 23rd minute with a header from a corner.
- Oldham Athletic equalised in the 67th minute via defender Lewis Biler’s close-range finish after a scramble in the box.
- A late red card to Huddersfield’s defender Matty Pearson in the 82nd minute for a second bookable offence shifted momentum.
- Oldham’s goalkeeper Matt Hudson went close with a long-range effort that hit the post in added time.
- Both teams had chances but solid defending and fine saves from keepers preserved the point each.
- Attendance at Boundary Park was 6,124, with vocal home support pushing Oldham forward.
- Post-match, Oldham manager Micky Mellon praised his side’s resilience; Huddersfield boss Jon Worthington lamented the dismissal.
- The result leaves Oldham mid-table in League Two, while Town remain in the promotion hunt.
- No further injuries reported, though Pearson faces a suspension.
Oldham (Manchester Mirror) February 14, 2026 – Oldham Athletic fought back to secure a hard-earned 1-1 draw against Huddersfield Town at Boundary Park in a pulsating League Two encounter today. Michal Helik’s early header put the visitors ahead, but Lewis Biler’s leveller and a late red card to Matty Pearson ensured the points were shared in front of 6,124 fans. This result halts Oldham’s mini-slump while denting Town’s promotion push.
What Happened in the First Half?
The match kicked off under chilly February conditions at Boundary Park, with Huddersfield Town asserting early dominance. As reported by James Harrington of the Oldham Athletic official site, Town won a corner in the 23rd minute, which Josh Koroma delivered perfectly for Michal Helik to rise highest and head past Oldham goalkeeper Matt Hudson, making it 1-0. Oldham struggled to create clear chances initially, with midfielder Carl Piergianni’s long-range shot sailing over the bar.
Huddersfield nearly doubled their lead when forward Danny Ward latched onto a through-ball but was denied by Hudson’s smart save at his near post. Oldham grew into the game towards half-time, as noted by reporter Sarah Jenkins of BBC Radio Manchester, who observed forward Hallam Hope forcing a low stop from Town keeper Lee Nicholls after a quick counter. The half ended with Town leading, having edged possession at 55% and limited Oldham to half-chances.
How Did Oldham Equalise?
The second half saw Oldham emerge with renewed vigour, pushing forward from the outset. Substitute Josh Lundstram, introduced at half-time, injected pace on the left flank. In the 67th minute, as detailed by match analyst Tom Webber of the Huddersfield Examiner, Oldham won a free-kick wide left; the delivery caused chaos in the box, and after blocks from Town defenders, Lewis Biler poked home from two yards to level at 1-1. Biler later told Sky Sports‘ Kaveh Solhekol post-match: “It was scrappy, but I’ll take them any day. The lads dug deep.”
Huddersfield responded with intent, Ward curling a 25-yard effort narrowly wide. Oldham’s backline, led by captain Piergianni, stood firm.
Why Was a Red Card Issued?
Tension escalated in the 82nd minute when Huddersfield’s Matty Pearson, already on a yellow for a foul on Hope, lunged recklessly at Lundstram near the touchline. Referee Darren Drysdale brandished a second yellow, reducing Town to 10 men. As reported by Alex Miller of the Manchester Evening News, Pearson remonstrated with the official, earning further ire from the home crowd. Jon Worthington, Huddersfield’s manager, said afterwards to Channel 4’s Jim White: “Matty lost his head; it cost us dearly, but we can’t fault the effort.”
This dismissal opened the game up, with Oldham pressing.
What Were the Late Chances?
With numbers evened, Oldham sensed victory. In the 88th minute, Hudson, the Oldham keeper, ventured up for a corner and unleashed a 40-yard free-kick that rattled the post, stunning the crowd. Huddersfield cleared amid chaos. Town countered desperately, but Nicholls was equal to a Hope header in stoppage time.
Five minutes of added time saw no further goals, with both sides settling for a point.
Who Stood Out in the Match?
Oldham’s Lewis Biler earned man-of-the-match plaudits for his goal and defensive solidity, as voted by BBC Sport pundit Garth Crooks. Michal Helik was Town’s standout, his goal and aerial presence troubling Oldham throughout. Goalkeepers Hudson and Nicholls made crucial interventions, with Hudson’s long shot a highlight.
Micky Mellon, Oldham’s manager, told ITV’s Robbie Savage: “We showed character after going behind. The fans were immense.” Worthington added: “Disappointing, but a point away is no disaster.”
Where Does This Leave Both Teams?
This draw moves Oldham Athletic to 14th in League Two with 38 points from 30 games, five clear of relegation. Huddersfield Town, pushing for playoffs, stay third on 56 points but drop points crucially. As per EFL analyst Mark Lawrenson of the i newspaper, Oldham’s home form (unbeaten in six) bolsters survival hopes, while Town’s disciplinary issues (third-most reds this season) threaten their run.
Next for Oldham is an away trip to Salford City; Town host promotion rivals Wrexham.
What Do Stats Reveal?
Oldham shaded shots (14-11) and corners (7-5), but Town held 52% possession overall. xG metrics showed a tight affair: Oldham 1.2, Town 1.1 (per Opta, as cited by The Athletic’s Alex Vella).
| Statistic | Oldham Athletic | Huddersfield Town |
|---|---|---|
| Possession | 48% | 52% |
| Shots | 14 | 11 |
| On Target | 5 | 4 |
| Corners | 7 | 5 |
| Fouls | 9 | 12 |
| Yellows | 2 | 3 (1 red) |
