Oldham Athletic have suffered a huge blow ahead of their potentially crucial trip to Cambridge United on Saturday following the news that striker Joe Quigley has been handed a two-match ban.
The Latics returned to League Two in May after a three year absence following a dramatic National League play-off final victory over Southend. It’s been a tough start to life in the fourth tier though, with the Greater Manchester-based club still searching for their first victory of the campaign.
Despite their winless start, Micky Mellon’s side have been tough to beat. They have drawn four of their opening six fixtures, although have tasted defeat against Swindon Town and Gillingham.
Quigley To Miss Next Two Fixtures
Quigley arrived from Forest Green Rovers in the summer and almost immediately hit the ground running. He scored in his second appearance in the 2-1 home defeat against Swindon, and has been an almost ever-present since.
He is now set to miss this Saturday’s clash with Cambridge, as well as the fixture against Bromley on September 13th after he was imposed a two-game ban and £2,000 fine for misconduct. In a statement, the FA said:
“An independent Regulatory Commission has sanctioned Oldham Athletic FC’s Joseph Quigley for misconduct during their EFL League Two fixture against Bristol Rovers FC on Tuesday 19 August.
“It was alleged that the forward acted in an improper manner and/or used abusive and/or indecent and/or insulting words and/or behaviour towards any spectator/s around the 82nd minute.
“Joseph Quigley subsequently denied the charge against him. The Regulatory Commission found it to be proven and imposed a two-match suspension and £2,000 fine following a hearing.”
— FA Spokesperson (@FAspokesperson) September 4, 2025
Writer’s View
This is the last thing Oldham needed right now. They are still searching for their first win of the campaign and they now have to head into their next two fixtures without one of their main attackers. Micky Mellon will be pleased that he has built a team that are tough to beat, but it becomes harder to win without a goalscorer in your ranks. They have only hit the back of the net three times in their opening six games, one of which came from Quigley. Still, it does open up an opportunity for others to stake their claim.
