After achieving what seemed the impossible and winning the return legs, Northampton Town and Exeter City will go head to head at Wembley for a place in League One.
Northampton Town And Exeter City Go Head To Head For League One Spot
Both clubs had inspirational wins in the second-leg of their ties and set up a very exciting final at Wembley.
Northampton Town’s Route To The Final
The first-leg at the PTS Academy Stadium didn’t go in the Cobblers favour.
A header from Charlie Raglan in the 26th minute and a Conor Thomas strike in the 86th minute gave Cheltenham a 2-0 lead going into the second-leg.
Callum Norton’s brace led Northampton to completely turn the tie around and win 3-2 on aggregate in a memorable night for Northampton Town Football Club.
Exeter City’s Route To The Final
Exactly just like Northampton the first-leg didn’t go Exeter’s way.
Cohen Bramall’s late free-kick caught out Exeter goalkeeper Lewis Ward and that goal settled the first-leg.
A complete turn around in the second-leg inspired by Aaron Martin the tenth minute saw the Grecians win the game 3-1 on the night.
Ryan Bowman’s 111th-minute winner sent Exeter to Wembley for another time in their history.
Matt Taylor: ‘This Win Was For The Fans’
Exeter City manager Taylor spoke about the win after the game.
“It’s such a shame the fans weren’t here to witness it.” he said. “To win that game in extra time they would have been on the pitch and the players need to understand what a big moment that is.
“For the last three-and-a-half or four months, Exeter City have shown great games of old on the website. The lads have been involved in that today.
“I was slightly disappointed not to go in 2-0 up at half time. We started really well and really positively. I know when we went to Colchester everything was possibly a little bit slow and possibly a little bit mundane, but that’s the first game back.
“You could see what it took out of us at the end of 90 minutes and the start of extra time, but if anything we got stronger and stronger as that game went on.”
Keith Curle: ‘We Imposed Ourselves On The Opposition And We Won On The Night’
Northampton Town manager Curle spoke about the win and about how immensely proud he was.
He said: “I’m very proud. Not just of the performance, but a lot of work has gone on behind the scenes.
“I’m obviously immensely proud of the players and coaching staff, but the staff at the club, the medical staff, the chief executive, the chairman, the secretary – they’ve all played their part in giving us a platform. Everything has been done correctly.
“Our plan was to get the first goal knowing that can have an impact.
“A 2-0 lead is a difficult lead, especially in a second leg at home. It’s a mental challenge for the players.
“We know what it feels like when you’re 2-0 up and the opposition scores. We wanted Cheltenham to have that feeling because we thought we could impose ourselves.”
Prediction
Both teams look very strong and, after a three month lay-off period, have shown their unlimited potential.
Exeter City have the likes of Randall Williams who will be tough to defend against, and Ryan Bowman who can pop up from anywhere with a goal.
Northampton Town’s strike force of Vadaine Oliver and Callum Norton is formidable and will likely be in full force against on Monday night.
The stage is set for a big final without the fans but promotion to League One is at stake.
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