Northampton Town 2 Bristol Rovers 2 '“ match review, player ratings and highlights

Nicky Adams, David Buchanan and Sam Hoskins celebrate after Cobblers go ahead against Bristol Rovers (pictures by Sharon Lucey)

From despair to unbridled joy in a matter of moments, the closing few minutes of Saturday's promotion-clinching 2-2 draw with Bristol Rovers were almost a microcosm of Northampton's film-script season.

On the day when the scene was all set for their long-awaited and eagerly-anticipated return to League One, the Cobblers even had the audacity to attempt to mess with the narrative; chucking away a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 and, seemingly, dash hopes of a promotion party.

When Ellis Harrison ghosted in at the back post to tap into an empty net and bring Rovers level with three minutes remaining, it appeared Northampton had blown their opportunity to party for another week at least.

Attentions turned elsewhere and within two minutes of Harrison’s goal, Ade Akinfenwa - of all people - popped up to steer AFC Wimbledon in front against Plymouth, therefore virtually sealing Northampton’s promotion.

Five minutes of stoppage time followed and slightly confused scenes greeted the full-time whistle with a smattering of Northampton fans pouring onto the pitch.

The news of Plymouth’s defeat filtered through and, finally, the celebrations could begin as the Cobblers got the happy ending they so richly deserved after a season which has often belonged more in Hollywood than Northampton.

With its heroes, villains and countless twists and turns, Northampton’s 2015/16 season is a true footballing fairytale, and words cannot do justice to the emotions felt and events witnessed over the last 245 days.

Following a football club is all about the emotional highs and lows and Cobblers fans have experienced more of those in the last nine months than many do in a lifetime.