Northampton Town secured automatic promotion from Division Three with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Torquay United at Plainmoor on Saturday, 6 May 2000.

Backed by a crowd of 5,010, the hosts made the brighter start and took the lead after 17 minutes. Brandon delivered a dangerous cross into the area and Bedeau reacted quickest, firing home a snapshot to give Torquay the advantage.

The Cobblers responded positively and were level within nine minutes. Howard knocked the ball down into the path of Forrester, who calmly finished to make it 1-1 on 26 minutes.

Almost immediately, Northampton struck again to complete the turnaround. Spedding supplied a low pass into the box and Howard swept the ball home to put the visitors 2-1 ahead.

Torquay pressed hard in the second half, forcing 13 corners and registering 16 attempts on goal overall, but Northampton defended resolutely to preserve their lead. The visitors managed five shots on target from their nine efforts, while Torquay tested Welch six times.

The match was fiercely contested throughout, with 35 fouls committed in total, although referee John Brandwood kept proceedings under control.

At the final whistle, Northampton’s players and supporters could celebrate a hugely significant achievement as the victory confirmed automatic promotion by securing third place in Division Three.

Teams

Torquay United

Jones, Holmes, Hill, Herrera (Platt 60), Thomas, Watson, Aggrey Healey, Brandon (Secco 66), Bedeau, Williams.
Substitutes not used: Northmore, Russell, O’Brien.

Northampton Town

Welch, Frain, Sampson, Savage, Howard, Hunt, Hendon, Hope (Parrish 90), Forrester (Corazzin 75), Spedding, Green.
Substitutes not used: O’Reilly, Hughes, Hodge.