14th May 1997 Playoff Semi-Final     Sixfields           Att; 7,302        Reff: U. Rennie

Northampton

Woodman, Clarkson, Frain, Sampson, Warburton, Rennie, Parrish, Grayson (Gibb), Gayle (Peer), White (Lee), Hunter

Goal Scorers ( Sampson (22), Warburton (68), Gayle (77)1

Cardiff

Williams, Jarman, Lloyd (Gardner), Perry, Young (Philliskirk), Fowler, Eckhardt, White, Dale, Haworth, Middleton (Stoker)

Goal Scorers (Fowler (35), Haworth (90)

After an unexpectedly good season under Ian Atkins and with the Cobblers in their centenary year, it just felt like it was meant to end with a trip to Wembley Stadium. After a 1-0 win at Ninian Park in the First Leg of the Division Three Playoff Semi-Finals, Sixfields hosted its biggest game up until that point for the second.

With over 500 people watching the game at the top of the hill. Ian Sampson opened the scoring when he headed home a John Frain free-kick to make it 1-0. Roy Hunter misjudged the ball and Fowler nipped in to score and level the game for Cardiff and the teams went in at half time all square at 1-1.

In the second half, Warburton gave the Cobblers a two-goal aggregate advantage when he headed home a Roy Hunter corner. Gayle made it safe for Northampton when he latched on to a Lee pass and clipped the ball into the net. The game was looking safe and secure for the Cobblers at 3-1.

However, Haworth pulled a goal back for the Welsh club when he drilled through a group of players, but it was the Cobblers night and the final step en route to the unforgettable win over Swansea City in the Playoff Final.