York City v Oldham Athletic Free Bets & Match Preview

York City v Oldham Athletic Free Bets & Match Preview

 

Minstermen Marching On? York Aim for EFL Return in Semi-Final Showdown

📅 Tuesday, 20 May 2025
🕢 Kick-off: 7:45pm (UK time)
🏟️ Venue: LNER Community Stadium

The LNER Community Stadium braces itself for a massive National League semi-final as York City play host to Oldham Athletic in what promises to be a clash steeped in history, tension, and a fair bit of northern grit. The dream of Football League resurrection looms large for both clubs, but only one will inch closer to the hallowed steps of Wembley.

With the stakes sky-high and only two matches now separating York City from a long-awaited return to the English Football League, Tuesday night under the floodlights could well be the stuff of dreams—or nightmares.

And for punters looking to spice up proceedings, leading bookmaker Parimatch are offering Bet £5 Get £30 in free bets promotion. If ever there were a time to back your gut with a wager, this might just be it.

 

York’s Long Road Back Nearly Complete

It’s been nearly a decade in the wilderness for York City, who were last seen in League Two back in the 2015-16 season—one they’d likely prefer to scrub from the history books. That campaign saw them finish second-bottom with a paltry 34 points from 46 games, and they’ve been clawing their way back ever since.

This season, under the stewardship of Adam Hinshelwood, the Minstermen went all out in their bid for automatic promotion. They came close—agonisingly close, in fact—only to see their title hopes dashed during a sticky run between February and March, where three defeats and a couple of uninspiring draws allowed Barnet to stretch away and claim top spot with a six-point cushion.

Still, finishing second in a fiercely competitive National League is no mean feat. That lofty placing gave York a direct pass into the semi-finals, along with a much-needed breather—15 days of rest, recuperation, and undoubtedly a bit of tactical tinkering. They now stand two games away from sealing their return to the EFL.

 

Home Sweet Home for the Minstermen

York will be feeling right at home, literally. The LNER Community Stadium has been something of a fortress this season, with Hinshelwood’s men bagging 16 wins, four draws and just three losses on their own patch. With form, fitness and familiarity all on their side, York enter the tie as firm favourites to progress.

That feeling is bolstered by a sublime end-of-season surge—unbeaten in their final eight matches, racking up seven wins and a draw. This isn’t a side limping into the play-offs; it’s a team galloping in full stride.

 

Oldham: From Premier League Heights to Non-League Fights

It’s hard to believe, but Oldham Athletic were once rubbing shoulders with England’s elite. They were part of the inaugural Premier League season back in 1992-93, yet 32 years later, they find themselves scrapping in the National League after a slow and painful fall from grace. Their relegation in 2021-22 made them the first former Premier League side to drop into non-league—a dubious distinction, to say the least.

Now managed by Micky Mellon, the Latics are dreaming of a return to the Football League, which would mark their first promotion since the early ‘90s. Having finished fifth in the league table, they secured a play-off berth and were tasked with hosting Halifax Town in the quarter-finals.

 

Latics Roar Past Halifax

To their credit, Oldham looked every bit the promotion hopefuls in that match, brushing Halifax aside with an emphatic 4-0 victory. Ruthless in front of goal and solid at the back, it was the sort of performance that gets fans believing and bookmakers twitchy.

Mellon’s men have also proven themselves a capable travelling outfit, collecting 34 points on the road this season—making them the fourth-best away side in the division. However, there’s a rather pesky stat standing in their way: they’ve visited the LNER Community Stadium three times and each occasion has ended in a 1-1 draw. Not bad, but not quite enough when only one can go through.

 

Team News: Full-Strength Hosts vs. In-Form Visitors

York City enter this clash fresh as daisies, having enjoyed a 15-day break thanks to their automatic semi-final qualification. That time off should ensure that Hinshelwood has a full-strength squad at his disposal, and barring any surprises, he’s likely to stick with the side that comfortably dispatched Eastleigh on the final day of the regular season.

All eyes will once again be on Ollie Pearce, the summer signing from National League South who has been nothing short of a revelation. With 31 goals in 45 matches, Pearce has not only topped the league’s scoring charts but become York’s talisman. Expect him to lead the line with the sort of swagger only a red-hot striker possesses.

Supporting Pearce should be a lively attacking trio consisting of Zac Sinclair, Nathaniel-George, and Richardson, while the midfield workhorses Hunt and Felix look set to anchor things in the centre. At the back, expect John, Crookes, Howe, and Fagan-Walcott to protect Ryan Male, who’ll be taking his place between the sticks.

As for Oldham, Mellon will be tempted to name an unchanged side after their quarter-final mauling of Halifax. Mike Fondop and Joe Garner, both among the goals last time out, are expected to resume their partnership up top. Wide-men Joe Pritchard and Mark Kitching also got on the scoresheet in that rout, and both should retain their starting berths.

Yoganathan, Evans, and Pett will likely make up the midfield spine, with Monthe, Raglan, and Ogle forming the back three ahead of goalkeeper Hudson. It’s a side full of grit, firepower, and plenty of play-off hunger.

 

Prediction: York City 3-1 Oldham Athletic

There’s no denying that Oldham come into this clash full of confidence, riding high from a four-goal blitz that reminded everyone of their pedigree. However, York City’s combination of home form, recent momentum, and 15 days of rest gives them a serious edge.

This one has all the makings of a cracking tie, but we’re tipping the Minstermen to come out on top with a 3-1 victory, sending them to within touching distance of a long-overdue EFL return. Whether you’re a diehard York fan or just a casual neutral with a flutter, it’s shaping up to be a belter.

 

Fancy a Punt? Free Bets Aplenty

If you’re planning to have a wager on this crucial semi-final, don’t forget to make the most of the generous offers flying about. Indeed, all of our featured betting partners are dishing out a wide variety of free bets and other promotions for new customers—perfect for those backing York to score early or Pearce to bag another beauty.

With play-off drama and bookmaker free bet bonuses aplenty, Tuesday evening in York could turn into a rewarding night in more ways than one. Whether you’re backing goals, corners or just a win for your side, there’s a market for you—and hopefully a payout to match.

Let the semi-final sparks fly.

 

From a Betting Perspective

 

As the Minstermen look to edge one step closer to a long-awaited EFL return, and Oldham seek to restore a sliver of pride after years in the footballing wilderness, it’s the perfect time to take a look at the betting odds—and perhaps bag a cheeky free bet or two while we’re at it.

And speaking of cheeky, Parimatch are offering Bet £5 Get £30 in free bets deal for new punters. Whether you fancy a flutter on a first goalscorer or the corners market, there’s a little something for everyone.

 

Outright Winner: Home Favourites or Away Day Upset?

Bookies have made their minds up on who they think will get the job done in 90 minutes. York City are chalked up as 4/5 favourites, which makes sense given their excellent home form and the fact they’ve had their feet up for a fortnight while Oldham were busy brushing aside Halifax.

For those predicting a deadlock and a bit of extra-time drama, the draw sits at 27/10, while the Latics are priced at 10/3 to cause an upset. Tempting if you believe in footballing redemption arcs and the power of post-season adrenaline.

 

First Goalscorer: Pearce the Spearhead

It won’t surprise anyone that Ollie Pearce, York’s talismanic goal gobbler, is leading the way in the first goalscorer market at 9/2. He’s been a menace for defences all season and could be the man to get things rolling under the lights.

Close behind him is Josh Stones, priced at 11/2, followed by Dipo Akinyemi at 6/1—both capable of opening the scoring if they’re on their game. Fancy someone a little less obvious? Billy Chadwick and Lenell John-Lewis are both sat at 13/2, while Mike Fondop-Talom is nudging behind at 15/2.

Defenders and wingers also make appearances in the reckoning, with Lewis Richards and Ashley Nathaniel-Georgeboth intriguing outsiders at 17/2. Long-shot hunters might look to Kian Harratt (9/1) or even the 10/1 club, where you’ll find Junior Luamba, James Norwood, Tyrese Sinclair, and Joe Garner all sharing the honours.

 

Anytime Goalscorer: Safer Bets and Wild Swings

If backing someone to score at any time is more your cup of Bovril, Pearce again leads the line at 7/5. Stones (15/8) and Akinyemi (21/10) follow closely, while Chadwick can be backed at 9/4 to sneak one past the keeper before the final whistle.

The ever-physical John-Lewis is 23/10, with Fondop-Talom at 5/2, and both Richards and Nathaniel-George tucked in at 16/5—worth a shout if you’re looking for some mid-tier value.

For those chasing double-digit thrills, Norwood, Luamba, Garner, and Sinclair are all lurking at 7/2, alongside Marvin Armstrong at 15/4. Ricky Aguiar is 9/2, while Alex Hunt and Joe Pritchard offer even longer returns at 11/2 and 13/2respectively—alongside the wonderfully named Jesurun Uchegbulam at 13/2, who could be this game’s wildcard.

 

Correct Score: Calling It Early

Ah, the correct score market—where brave punters and eternal optimists come to dream.

If you reckon York will grind out a tight win, 1-0 is a favourite at 13/2, closely followed by 2-1 (15/2) and 2-0 (8/1). A slightly spicier scoreline such as 3-1 or 3-0 is available at 14/1, while 3-2 (25/1) and 4-1 (28/1) will attract the daring. For a proper thumping, 4-0 (30/1) and 5-0 (75/1) are available for those who fancy a romp.

If you’re backing a stalemate, 1-1 is the shortest at 6/1, followed by 0-0 (11/1) and 2-2 (14/1). And for those longing for complete chaos, you’ve got 3-3 (66/1) and the rarely-seen 4-4 (300/1).

Oldham fans won’t be ignored in the markets either. A cautious 1-0 win for the Latics is 12/1, with 2-1 (14/1) and 2-0 (22/1) also in the mix. From there it gets a bit wild—3-1 (35/1), 4-1 (100/1), and for the madcap few, 5-3 at 500/1.

 

Half-Time/Full-Time: Momentum Matters

If you’re betting on who takes control and when, York/York leads the way at 19/10. Expecting a slow burner? Draw/York (4/1) might be the one. If deadlock persists, Draw/Draw is priced at 23/5.

Believers in Oldham heroics can back Oldham/Oldham (7/1) or Draw/Oldham (9/1), while those forecasting a comeback can find Oldham/York (25/1) or York/Oldham (40/1) for a turnaround tale.

 

Goals Galore? Maybe Not

According to the odds, this isn’t expected to be a goal-fest. Under 3.5 goals is heavily favoured at 1/3, with under 2.5 nearly evens at 19/20. Think it’ll be cagey? Under 1.5 is 14/5, and under 0.5 is 11/1.

If you’re backing the opposite, over 2.5 goals sits at 17/20, while over 3.5 is a meatier 9/4. Anything above that and you’re into wild territory—over 5.5 at 12/1, 6.5 at 25/1, and so on.

Fancy guessing the exact number of goals? Two goals in total is the most backed at 13/5, followed by three (3/1) and four (9/2). There’s even 25/1 available for seven or more.

 

Winning Margin: Edging Ahead or Running Riot?

For those who like a tidy margin of victory, York to win by one goal is 11/4, and a two-goal win is 4/1. A three-goal rout is 17/2, and a four-goal battering sits at 14/1.

If you’re braving the underdog narrative, Oldham to win by one goal is 5/1, two goals 12/1, three 33/1, and four or more? 66/1, for the romantics.

A score draw is priced at 15/4, and a goalless affair is 10/1.

 

Corners Markets: Fancy the Flags?

Corners can be your best friend when goals are scarce. For the cautious corner fans, under 11.5 is 2/7, and under 10.5 sits at 4/9. Want fewer? Under 6.5 corners is 4/1, and under 4.5 is 9/1.

Those backing set-piece chaos will find over 7.5 corners at 2/5, 9.5 at 11/10, and 11.5 at 13/5. The bolder among you can go as far as over 17.5 corners at 28/1 or even 19.5 at 50/1.

 

Method of Victory: How Will It All End?

If you like to bet on drama rather than direction, York to win in 90 minutes is 4/5, but if you think extra time or penalties are calling, York in extra time is 9/1, and after pens is 11/1.

Oldham to win in 90 is 10/3, with extra time at 18/1, and penalty glory at 12/1.

 

A Final Thought (and Free Bets Too)

With odds this tasty and drama all but guaranteed, now’s a cracking time to have a punt—and thanks to the numerous free bets and other offers which are available from our featured betting partners, your stake can stretch a little further than usual.

Whether you’re banking on Pearce to break the deadlock, predicting corner mayhem, or punting on penalties, there’s a market for every flavour of football fan.

So, pour yourself a brew, cross your fingers, and enjoy what promises to be a thrilling semi-final clash. And hey, if you walk away with a winning bet and a free flutter or two in your back pocket, even better.

 

🏆 Outright Winner

Result	Odds
York City	4/5
Draw	27/10
Oldham Athletic	10/3

⚽ First Goalscorer

Player	Odds
Ollie Pearce	9/2
Josh Stones	11/2
Dipo Akinyemi	6/1
Billy Chadwick	13/2
Lenell John-Lewis	13/2
Mike Fondop-Talom	15/2
Lewis Richards	17/2
Ashley Nathaniel-George	17/2
Kian Harratt	9/1
Junior Luamba	10/1
James Norwood	10/1
Tyrese Sinclair	10/1
Joe Garner	10/1

🎯 Anytime Goalscorer

Player	Odds
Ollie Pearce	7/5
Josh Stones	15/8
Dipo Akinyemi	21/10
Billy Chadwick	9/4
Lenell John-Lewis	23/10
Mike Fondop-Talom	5/2
Lewis Richards	16/5
Ashley Nathaniel-George	16/5
James Norwood	100/30
Kian Harratt	10/3
Junior Luamba	7/2
Joe Garner	7/2
Tyrese Sinclair	7/2
Marvin Armstrong	15/4
Ricky Aguiar	9/2
Alex Hunt	11/2
Joe Pritchard	13/2
Jesurun Uchegbulam	13/2

🔢 Correct Score

York City Wins

Score	Odds
1-0	13/2
2-1	15/2
2-0	8/1
3-1	14/1
3-0	14/1
3-2	25/1
4-1	28/1
4-0	30/1
4-2	50/1
5-0	75/1

Draws

Score	Odds
1-1	6/1
0-0	11/1
2-2	14/1
3-3	66/1
4-4	300/1

Oldham Athletic Wins

Score	Odds
1-0	12/1
2-1	14/1
2-0	22/1
3-1	35/1
3-2	40/1
3-0	66/1
4-1	100/1
4-2	150/1
4-0	150/1
4-3	200/1
5-1	275/1
5-2	300/1
5-0	400/1
5-3	500/1

🕰️ Half-Time / Full-Time

Outcome	Odds
York / York	19/10
Draw / York City	4/1
Draw / Draw	23/5
Oldham / Oldham	7/1
Draw / Oldham	9/1
Oldham / Draw	14/1
York / Draw	14/1
Oldham / York City	25/1
York / Oldham	40/1

🎯 Total Goals – Under

Total Goals	Odds
Under 3.5	1/3
Under 3	17/35
Under 2.5	19/20
Under 2	32/19
Under 1.5	14/5
Under 0.5	11/1

🎯 Total Goals – Over

Total Goals	Odds
Over 0.5	1/20
Over 1.5	2/7
Over 2	7/17
Over 2.5	17/20
Over 3	13/9
Over 3.5	9/4
Over 4.5	11/2
Over 5.5	12/1
Over 6.5	25/1
Over 7.5	50/1
Over 8.5	66/1

🎯 Total Goals – Exact

Total Goals	Odds
2 Goals	13/5
3 Goals	3/1
1 Goal	4/1
4 Goals	9/2
5 Goals	9/1
0 Goals	10/1
6 Goals	20/1
7+ Goals	25/1

📏 Winning Margin

Outcome	Odds
York City to win by 1 Goal	11/4
York City to win by 2 Goals	4/1
York City to win by 3 Goals	17/2
York City to win by 4+ Goals	14/1
Oldham to win by 1 Goal	5/1
Oldham to win by 2 Goals	12/1
Oldham to win by 3 Goals	33/1
Oldham to win by 4+ Goals	66/1
Score Draw	15/4
Draw 0-0	10/1

🚩 Total Corners

Under

Total Corners	Odds
Under 11.5	2/7
Under 10.5	4/9
Under 10	8/13
Under 9.5	4/5
Under 8.5	11/8
Under 7.5	23/10
Under 6.5	4/1
Under 5.5	11/2
Under 4.5	9/1
Under 3.5	20/1

Over

Total Corners	Odds
Over 7.5	2/5
Over 8.5	4/6
Over 9.5	11/10
Over 10.5	17/10
Over 11.5	13/5
Over 12.5	9/2
Over 13.5	6/1
Over 14.5	10/1
Over 15.5	12/1
Over 16.5	20/1
Over 17.5	28/1
Over 18.5	40/1
Over 19.5	50/1

🏁 Method of Victory

Result	Odds
York City to Win in 90 mins	4/5
Oldham to Win in 90 mins	10/3
York Win in Extra Time	9/1
York Win after Penalties	11/1
Oldham Win after Penalties	12/1
Oldham Win in Extra Time	18/1