Northampton Town have won promotion to League One with a 1-0 win at Tranmere Rovers, sealing third place in the League Two standings.
In 2021-22, the Cobblers dramatically missed out on automatic promotion on the final day as Bristol Rovers thrashed Scunthorpe United by a 7-0 scoreline.
However, Jon Brady's side would get over the line on Monday as they recorded a nerve-jangling victory at Prenton Park.
Had Stockport County defeated Hartlepool United and Northampton failed to beat Tranmere, it would have been Stockport who claimed third place behind Leyton Orient and Stevenage.
🆙 NORTHAMPTON TOWN ARE PROMOTED! 🆙
— Northampton Town (@ntfc) May 8, 2023
A promotion made together by the club, the Shoe Army and the community. ❤️
A promotion made with resilience and determination. ❤️
A special club, special people, special supporters. ❤️
WE DID IT! 🍾#ProudToBe | #Together | #ShoeArmy 👞 pic.twitter.com/a7tEWHXsCj
In added-on time, that appeared plausible when Stockport were awarded a penalty to move 2-1 ahead, only for Callum Camps to see his spot kick saved.
That meant that Will Hoskins's early goal against Tranmere ultimately proved decisive, Northampton holding on for the remaining 85 minutes plus added-on time.
As far as the playoffs are concerned, it was Mansfield Town who missed out by the smallest of margins on goal difference, despite recording a 2-0 win over Colchester United.
Salford City's 1-0 reverse at home to Gillingham kept Nigel Clough's side in within a chance, but time ultimately ran out for the Stags.
In the playoff semi-finals, Stockport will square off against Salford, while Carlisle United will meet Bradford City who earned the point that they required through a 1-1 draw at home to champions Leyton Orient.
Darren Plant
