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Northampton Town

Bristol Rovers secure sensational promotion thanks to 7-0 final-day win

Rovers, managed by former Manchester City and Newcastle United midfielder Joey Barton, headed into Saturday's matches fourth in the table, behind third-placed Northampton – in the final automatic promotion place – on goal difference.

Northampton appeared to have done enough to secure a spot in League One as they won 3-1 at Barrow, only for events at the Memorial Stadium to halt their celebrations.

That scoreline at Barrow – unchanged from the 45th minute onwards – meant Rovers needed to win 7-0 against already-relegated Scunthorpe United to pip Northampton on goals scored.

Leading 2-0 at half-time, Aaron Collins and Antony Evans each scored twice against a much-changed Scunthorpe side before Elliot Anderson – on loan from Newcastle – added to his two assists with the decisive seventh five minutes from time.

That goal – the 19-year-old's seventh of a sensational loan spell, to go with six assists – prompted a pitch invasion that brought the game to a standstill.

As Northampton got word of the change in circumstances and chased a fourth goal, succeeding only in having goalkeeper Liam Roberts sent off, Barton and Rovers owner Wael al-Qadi pleaded with fans to stay off the pitch, having been warned the match could be abandoned.

Eventually, play resumed and Rovers held on for their joint-record margin of victory and a scarcely believable promotion to the third tier.

Reggae Boyz defender Liam Moore signs short-term deal with Northampton Town

Moore, who began his career with Leicester City, brings a wealth of experience and pedigree to Northampton Town. Having made 234 appearances during his tenure with Reading, Moore has demonstrated his defensive prowess and leadership on the field.

Northampton manager Jon Brady expressed his satisfaction with the acquisition, emphasizing Moore's positive integration with the squad during training. "He has already fitted in well with the group, and he brings with him a good amount of experience and an excellent pedigree," said Brady in a statement on the club website.

The seasoned defender faced a challenging period when he was stripped of the Reading captaincy in January 2022 after expressing his desire to leave the club. Subsequently, Moore joined Stoke City on loan in the same month, but his time on the field was cut short due to a serious injury sustained during training.

The defender received his first call-up to the Jamaica national team in March 2021, joining a group of English-born players embracing their Jamaican heritage. Since his debut in March 2021, Moore has earned nine international caps for the Reggae Boyz.