Pirates in seventh heaven as dramatic promotion outshines Rovers’ title win
NEWCASTLE dynamo Elliot Anderson scored the decisive goal which helped Bristol Rovers snatch automatic promotion from Northampton in the most dramatic of circumstances.
The Gas needed a five-goal swing to beat the Cobblers to nick third place and they did just that by thrashing Scunthorpe 7-0 to go up on goals scored.
A second-half goal rush sparked wild celebrations at the Memorial Stadium, where play was suspended for 16 minutes due to a pitch invasion.
An own goal from midfielder Oliver Lobley gave the hosts the lead and Connor Taylor headed in another before the break.
Aaron Collins’ 20-yard drive made it 3-0 after 53 minutes and Anthony Evans soon added a fourth. Midfielder Evans scored a fine free-kick with 15 minutes left before Collins netted a sixth.
On-loan ace Anderson then nodded in number seven with just five minutes left, which saw Rovers fans spill onto the pitch.
Following a lengthy delay, which also saw manager Joey Barton – a former Newcastle midfielder – address the crowd to call for calm, the Pirates saw out the game to secure a memorable win.
The Gas’ jubilation meant heartbreak for Northampton, who won 3-1 at Barrow but must now do battle in the play-offs.
A brace from Sam Hoskins either side of Fraser Horsfall’s header had put the Cobblers in control. The Bluebirds pulled a goal back when Josh Kay nodded in a minute before the break.
Northampton finished with 10 men following a late red for goalkeeper Liam Roberts, who will miss the first leg of the play-off semi-final against Mansfield.
Meanwhile Forest Green secured the League Two title as they took advantage of Exeter’s 1-0 defeat at home to Port Vale, with James Wilson the hero.
Rovers drew 2-2 at Mansfield, which was enough to give them the title on goal difference.
Another Newcastle youngster, Matty Longstaff, fired the Stags into a first-half lead, before Ebou Adams hauled Rovers level.
Jordan Bowery had Mansfield in front again with 12 minutes to go, but Josh March struck a swift equaliser, which secured the precious point and with it the title.
Swindon finished in sixth place after a 3-0 victory at Walsall, with a Harry Mckirdy goal and a Jack Payne double doing the damage.
Sutton just missed the play-offs by a point despite a 2-0 win at Harrogate with goals from Craig Eastmond and Isaac Olaofe.
Tranmere finished two points off the top seven despite Kane Hemmings’ first-half goal giving them a 1-0 win at Leyton Orient.
Relegated Oldham’s 115-year EFL tenure ended with a 3-3 draw against Crawley at Boundary Park, where there were protests before the match against owner Abdallah Lemsagam.
Jack Stobbs and David Keillordunn gave the hosts a 2-0 lead.
Crawley – who parted company with boss John Yems following a probe into claims he used discriminatory language and behaviour against his players – levelled before the break through George Francomb and James Tilley.
Jordan Clarke had Oldham in front again, but Aramide Oteh levelled things up.
Goals from Lee Angol and Jamie Walker helped Bradford sign off with a 2-0 home win over Carlisle.
Rochdale won 2-0 at Newport and Stevenage fought back to beat Salford 4-2.