The latest team to win promotion to League One via the League Two Playoff Final has been confirmed following tonight’s much anticipated clash.
It was of course a playoff final with a difference, no fans were allowed in at Wembley due to the government’s coronavirus guidelines.
Supporters were able to watch on in spirits from the comfort of their own homes as the game was televised on Sky Sports.
THE TOWN ARE GOING UP!!!! ? pic.twitter.com/EiOYOnSsun
— Northampton Town (@ntfc) June 29, 2020
Northampton Town were the team to seal that all important promotion which saw them return to League One for the first time since the 2017/18 season where they suffered relegation.
Last season, the Cobblers finished a dismal 15th in League Two under Keith Curle, who came into the club in October 2018 by replacing Dean Austin, however their current boss can take the praise after he guided them from relegation candidates to safety.
This season saw Northampton finish the 2019/20 season in 7th place, the last playoff position, based on a PPG version of the League Two table. The campaign had nine remaining games to be played, but due to club’s finances, it was voted to cancel by the majority.
In the semi final 1st leg, Keith Curle’s men suffered a disappointing 2-0 defeat at home to 4th place Cheltenham Town, however they turned the tie completely around in the second leg by winning 3-0 (3-2 on aggregate) thanks to goals from Vadaine Oliver and a double from Callum Morton.
Their opponents for the final was Exeter City, who made it this point in the playoffs three times in four years.
They also fell behind in the semi final first leg when they lost in a drub 1-0 defeat at Colchester United, the Grecians managed to not register a single shot on target.
Again like Northampton, Exeter managed to perform a surprise comeback at their home ground, hitting three past the U’s to win 3-2 on aggregate.
So, how did the final play out?
Northampton got themselves off to a flying start, after it took Ryan Watson just 11 minutes to get on the scoresheet.
Watson did well on the edge of the box to work space for a strike, and his effort deflected into the net.
What a start for Northampton!
Ryan Watson gives them an early lead in the League Two play-off final with a deflected strike from outside the box.
? Watch on Sky Sports Football or follow here: https://t.co/ZL8QI9Mvdp pic.twitter.com/X5yrwiG4Mc
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) June 29, 2020
That lead was doubled a quarter of an hour later when on-loan West Brom forward Callum Morton, who shone in the semi final second leg with two second half goals.
Scott Wharton and Jordan Turnbull both won headers in the box which lead to Morton prodding the ball into the net. A well-worked set-piece and an instinctive finish.
This is turning into a very good first half for Northampton and a very bad one for Exeter!
Callum Morton nips in behind and finishes to put the Cobblers 2-0 ahead.
? Watch on Sky Sports Football or follow here: https://t.co/ZL8QI9Mvdp pic.twitter.com/jkdoWoMCUy
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) June 29, 2020
Exeter got themselves more of the ball after the two goals, however went into the break with no efforts on target compared to the eight earned by the Cobblers.
Matt Taylor’s side started brighter in the second half, before making substitutions within 5 minutes of the restart, before going on to have Dean Moxey get shown a straight red for a late challenge on Watson on the 59th minute.
What a blow for Exeter!
Just when it looked like they might get back into the game, Dean Moxey is shown a straight red card!
? Watch on Sky Sports Football or follow here: https://t.co/ZL8QI9Mvdp pic.twitter.com/6mEBYlkKmZ
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) June 29, 2020
A fight back from Exeter couldn’t be found and Northampton ended any hopes of that when Sam Hoskins scored 10 minutes from time to send the Cobblers back to League One.
League One is within touching distance for Northampton!
Sam Hoskins nets a third to put the game firmly beyond 10-man Exeter’s reach.
? Watch on Sky Sports Football or follow here: https://t.co/ZL8QI9Mvdp pic.twitter.com/83CVC5jSzQ
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) June 29, 2020
Andy Williams gave Exeter more misery by adding to Northampton’s goals, making it 4-0 before the final whistle blew.
FULL-TIME!
Northampton are promoted to League One after thrashing Exeter 4-0 in the League Two play-off final!
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) June 29, 2020
Fans reacted after the latest team to win promotion to League One via the League Two Playoff Final was confirmed…
Hang on a minute. Last time I looked they’d just lost 2-0 to Cheltenham ? incredible scenes! Matt must be buzzing ? up the cobblers! ?
— Simon Cooper (@coopermatic) June 29, 2020
Unbelievable performance. What a group ?
— AW (@alfiejwarman) June 29, 2020
Congratulations! You were out as far as I was concerned when you were 2-0 down at home in the first leg. Incredible comeback to theb go and win promotion. ?
— Jack Wiggins (@WiggyWWFC) June 29, 2020
Unreal performance, well deserved ??
— Connor (@ConnorF1ynn) June 29, 2020
League 1 here we come! Up the Teyn!! ? Well played and well deserved lads. Pure class x
— Michelle S (@MeechCat) June 29, 2020
— ArgyletilIdie (@argyletil) June 29, 2020
— ʲᵘᵈᵉ (@judepafc) June 29, 2020
— Cactus Jack (@TG37401) June 29, 2020
Bet the players cant wait for a long coach trip to barrow next season ?
— Chaz (@chazhkr21) June 29, 2020

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