Featured Image Credit: Alamy
Topics: League Two, Joey Barton
Jack Kenmare
Bristol Rovers secured automatic promotion in the most dramatic way possible after they knocked seven goals past Scunthorpe on the final day of the League Two season.
After results went their way earlier in the week, Joey Barton's side needed to outscore Northampton on Saturday afternoon to overtake them on goal difference – and they did exactly that at the Memorial Stadium.
Scunthorpe, who sit bottom of League Two with 26 points, got off to an awful start when Oliver Lobley netted an own goal.
Advert
Things didn't get much better for the Irons as Rovers defender Connor Taylor made it 2-0 with 22 minutes played.
Going into the second-half, Barton's men needed five more goals to secure an automatic place into League One. It was a monumental task but to their credit, they upped their game.
Aaron Collins and Antony Evans both netted a brace, then an 85th minute strike from Elliot Anderson brought some incredible scenes at the Memorial Stadium.
Northampton picked up a 3-1 win against Barrow on their travels as Sam Hoskins scored a brace, but it wasn't enough.
Advert
Bristol Rovers manager Joey Barton was in confident spirits ahead of kick-off. He had every right to be considering their form of late.
"The Gas are coming, you can feel it in the ether of the city," he said via The Daily Mail.
"That was my dream, to ignite the blue half of Bristol. We’ve lit a spark and we’re hoping that will turn into a big roaring bonfire in the next couple of years. The rest of the English pyramid will sit up and take notice.
"Six months ago, they were throwing sausage rolls and V-signs everywhere telling me to get out of town. It’s a funny old game football. King of the jungle one minute and knocked on your backside next minute.
Advert
"I’ve had both sides of the coin here. Last season was as tough a period as I’ve had in my professional football journey."