Northampton Town lodge complaint over Scunthorpe XI for 7-0 loss that cost them promotion

Joey Barton's Bristol Rovers pipped Northampton Town to the final League Two promotion spot on Saturday after they smashed already relegated Scunthorpe United 7-0

Northampton Town are set to lodge a complaint to the Football League over Scunthorpe United's lineup for their 7-0 loss on Saturday.

Scunthorpe named seven teenagers in their side to face Bristol Rovers on the final day of the League Two season, with the result allowing Rovers to pip Northampton to the final promotion place. The Guardian now report that Northampton are planning to lodge an official complaint to the EFL, having already raised their concerns to both the EFL and the Football Association.

Jon Brady's side had beaten Barrow 3-1 in their match but were pipped by the Gas on goals scored.

Scunthorpe's starting 11 featured four members of their under-18s squad, including 17-year-old goalkeeper Owen Foster. The Iron were relegated to the National League back in April after a poor season for the club.

EFL rules state that from the fourth Thursday in March onwards, clubs' team sheets must include 10 outfield players from the previous team sheet, which Scunthorpe's side adhered to having only made three changes from their last match.

Despite making just three changes, Scunthorpe were still brushed aside in emphatic fashion by Joey Barton's side, who ended the season level on points and goal difference with Northampton.

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However, thanks to their seven goals on Saturday, they ended the season with more goals scored then their rivals after pulling level on goal difference, consigning Northampton to a play-off clash with Mansfield Town.

Ahead of a potential complaint from Northampton, Bristol Rovers are already set to be investigated by the EFL following Saturday's match due to a pitch invasion in the 85th minute which caused the match to be paused.

Elliot Anderson's goal, which took Rovers above Northampton, caused chaotic scenes at the Memorial Ground, which were followed by jubilant post-match celebrations.

Rovers striker Aaron Collins was even pictured pouring beer over his head whilst sat on top of a traffic light later in the night, whilst still wearing his full kit.