Joey Barton's Bristol Rovers have sealed the most sensational promotion from League Two thanks to a 7-0 win over Scunthorpe on the final day of the season.
The Gas recorded their biggest win since 1964 to pip Northampton Town to third place. The two sides both started the day on 77 points but the Cobblers had a superior goal difference of five. Jon Brady's side did their part with a 3-1 win at Barrow but there were plenty of nerves as Rovers continued to rack up the goals against Scunthorpe.
The Cobblers led the way for most of the afternoon and looked home and hosed as they went 3-1 up at Barrow at half-time. That margin of victory looked like being more than enough as it meant Rovers, who were 2-0 up at the break in their game, needed a five-goal swing in just 45 minutes.
But Barton's side tore their opponents apart after the restart, going through the gears. They went 6-0 up on 76 minutes to go within one goal of overtaking Northampton on goal difference.
And the crucial seventh goal came when Newcastle loanee Elliot Anderson fired home - sparking a manic pitch invasion and leading the referee to lead both sets of players off the pitch for a prolonged period. Barton even addressed the crowd in an attempt to get the match back underway.
Northampton then went down to ten men late in their game but held on for a 3-1 win - leading to a nervous wait to see if Scunthorpe could them a favour upon the restart at the Memorial Stadium.
But the already-relegated Iron could not muster a goal and Barton's men held on to seal the most dramatic and unexpected promotion - and an immediate return to League One. The full-time whistle at the Memorial Stadium, which only blew at just before 5.15pm, saw another mass invasion from supporters with head coach Barton held aloft by jubilant fans.
Rovers will join Exeter City and Forest Green in the third tier next season, with Rob Edwards' side securing the title on a dramatic final day. They drew 2-2 away at Mansfield Town to sneak the title on goal difference over the Grecians, who lost 1-0 at home to Port Vale. Both Mansfield and Vale will now enter the play-offs along with Swindon and Northampton.
Nigel Clough's side will face Northampton over two legs, with the Cobblers bidding to get over their hugely disappointing final day.
The other tie sees Swindon, looking to get straight back into League One after relegation last term, face Port Vale.
The play-offs begin next Saturday.
Play-off dates
Semi-final first legs
Saturday May 14, 7.45pm - Mansfield v Northampton
Sunday May 15, 12pm - Swindon v Port Vale
Second legs
Wednesday May 18, 7.45pm - Northampton v Mansfield
Thursday May 19, 7.45pm - Port Vale v Swindon
Final
Saturday, May 28, 3pm - From Wembley Stadium
