Northampton confirm League One survival after seeing off Shrewsbury

Northampton Town will remain in League One for a third straight season after they beat Shrewsbury Town 4-1 at Sixfields.

Against a Shrews side whose relegation had already been confirmed, Aaron McGowan, a Dara Costelloe double and a further goal by Cameron McGeehan did the business for Kevin Nolan’s side.

John Marquis scored a consolation late on for Shrewsbury, but it wasn’t enough to deny victory for the Cobblers.

With two games of the season remaining, Northampton now sit seven points clear, with defeat for Bristol Rovers meaning the side that occupy the final place in the relegation zone can no longer catch the Cobblers.

Having been defeated by promotion chasing Charlton on Good Friday, the Cobblers chased home comforts against a Shrewsbury side whose relegation to League Two was confirmed on Good Friday.

Northampton started brightly in pursuit of the points, with Mitch Pinnock hitting the side-netting before Cameron McGeehan was denied by away goalkeeper Jamal Blackman.

Shrewsbury’s best opportunity fell to one-time Northampton man Aaron Pierre, who headed wide from a free-kick.

The hosts would take the lead after 26 minutes, as McGowan met Pinnock’s cross and fired a volley into the back of the net.

Just before half-time, Northampton made it 2-0. An error by Blackman ended up leading to the ball falling for Costelloe, who rolled the ball home to give the Cobblers an extended advantage.

The Cobblers scored a third goal 25 minutes after half-time, as McGeehan rolled the loose ball home after Blackman dropped a corner.

Akin Odimayo fed Costelloe to score his second and Northampton’s fourth in the final ten minutes to cap off a fine display of goalscoring by the home side.

Northampton were unable to keep a clean sheet after Marquis scored a late consolation, but it was still victory for Nolan’s side and confirmation they will maintain their third tier status for another season.

Having done the job, Northampton will wrap up their season with a trip to Crawley Town, who themselves remain hopeful of survival after a win over Exeter City, before a finale against Wigan in two weeks time.