It was painful at the time but boss Jon Brady, speaking on the eve of the first Cobblers meeting with Bristol Rovers since the dramatic and controversial final afternoon of the 2021/22 season, has proved a blessing in disguise for Town.
But the dramatic events 260 miles south of Holker Street would ensure what was supposed to be a day of celebration in the north west, turned into an afternoon of despair.
Bristol Rovers, level on points with the Cobblers but five goals worse off in terms of goal difference going into the final round of fixtures, hosted already-relegated Scunthorpe United at the Memorial Stadium.
The doomed Iron fielded a side full of youth teamers, and the Gas took their chance – recording a scarcely believable 7-0 win to pip the Cobblers at the post.
They scored five times in 32 crazy second-half minutes as Scunthorpe folded.
It meant both sides ended the season on 80 points, both boasted a goal difference of 22, but it was Rovers who were promoted by virtue of having scored 71 goals to the Cobblers’ 60.
The outcome sparked wild celebrations at the Memorial, and led to a scene of total desolation and disbelief in Barrow, and a demoralised Town would go on to lose in the play-off semi-finals to Mansfield Town.
But 12 months later the Cobblers got their reward for their hard work and endeavour under Brady when they were promoted on the final day of the 2022/23 season – a 1-0 win at Tranmere Rovers sealing the deal.
And looking back, although Brady was as hurt and dejected as much as anybody by what happened to his team in 2022, he now believes it was good for the club.
