League One roundup: Northampton Town relegated as Stockport County remain in play-off hunt

Northampton Town were relegated from League One after Luton Town sealed a 2-1 win at Kenilworth Road to move within three points of the play-offs.

Jack Wilshere’s side, fresh off their Vertu Trophy triumph at Wembley on Sunday, weren’t the only ones to boost their promotion hopes – Stockport County, the side they beat in the final, also strengthened theirs with a win over AFC Wimbledon.

The Dons now sit just three points above relegation rivals Exeter City in 21st place, with Rotherham United and Northampton already relegated and Port Vale’s fate all but sealed.

Here is a full roundup of Wednesday’s action.

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Luton Town 2-1 Northampton Town

Luton skipper Kal Naismith grabbed a stunning late winner to seal the three points for his side against Northampton.

With five minutes remaining, the defender whipped an incredible 30-yard set-piece past Lee Burge as the Hatters climbed to seventh.

The Cobblers, who knew that they needed a miracle to stay up, should have gone ahead inside five minutes when Sam Hoskins was denied by Josh Keeley.

Tom Eaves then volleyed at Keeley, as Luton’s only chance saw Kasey Palmer’s free-kick clip the outside of the post.

Northampton then stunned the home crowd, netting on 31 minutes, when Hoskins was left unmarked to race through and lob Keeley.

Luton were back on level terms with 43 minutes gone, Liam Walsh’s 20-yard strike flying into the net.

After the break, Cameron McGeehan’s shot deflected just wide, while Jordan Clark was inches off target.

Substitute Ali Al-Hamadi slammed against the post from 25 yards on 77 minutes, while Clark drove into the stands again.

However, it did not matter with Naismith’s heroics snatching all three points for the hosts.

AFC Wimbledon 0-2 Stockport County

Two second-half goals handed Stockport a 2-0 victory over Wimbledon to strengthen their hold on fifth spot.

Josh Stokes and Tayo Edun caused the damage against the south London side at Plough Lane as County remain in the play-offs with five matches remaining.

Wycombe Wanderers loanee James Tilley forced Stockport goalkeeper Corey Addai to turn around his shot to safety after 33 minutes following a well-worked short corner routine with Jake Reeves.

Adama Sidibeh should have done better for the visitors just moments later after a break, but his effort was tamely aimed at Dons goalkeeper Nathan Bishop.

Aron Sasu forced Addai into a one-handed stop after a run – just a minute after the restart – while Tilley dragged a 51st-minute effort wide after a mistake by Edun.

However, Stockport took a 58th-minute lead, when substitute Stokes was left unmarked to head home an Ollie Norwood free-kick.

The three points looked set to return to the north west after 72 minutes when Edun turned in the area and curled the ball past the outstretched Bishop.

To their credit, Wimbledon did make an attempt at a late push for a comeback, but the away side held firm.

Full scores

Luton Town 2-1 Northampton Town
AFC Wimbledon 0-2 Stockport County

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