Bristol Rovers win 7-0 to pip Northampton to secure promotion from League Two on goals scored

Bristol Rovers secured promotion from League Two with a 7-0 victory over already relegated Scunthorpe to finish above Northampton Town.

The Pirates started the day needing to better the result of third-placed Northampton or win by five goals more than their rivals.

And with Northampton winning 3-1 at Barrow, Elliot Anderson made it 7-0 with five minutes left to help Rovers move into the top three for the first time all season.

Delirious fans invaded the pitch and the match was then held for almost 20 minutes.

Rovers boss Joey Barton pleaded with fans to clear the pitch, knowing a Scunthorpe goal would send Northampton up instead.

The referee also indicated that he would abandon the match if there was another pitch invasion.

They eventually played out the final five minutes and stoppage time without incident to secure an immediate – and spectacular – return to League One after last season’s relegation. 

The Pirates looked set to be heading for a play-off place at half-time despite leading 2-0 through Oliver Lobley’s own goal and Connor Taylor’s header.

But the hosts went further in front when Collins scored in his 17th goal of the season. Anthony Evans’ crashed in a fourth on the hour, and then lashed in a 25-yard free-kick with 14 minutes left to make it 5-0.

When Collins converted Harry Anderson’s cut-back with 12 minutes left, Rovers were just one goal away from wiping out Northampton’s goal-difference advantage.

And with just five minutes left, Evans’ cross was deflected to Elliot Anderson to head in and spark mayhem at the Memorial Ground.