From devastation to elation: Nicky Adams 'buzzing' after yet another promotion

Promotion specialist Nicky Adams admits he went through a whirlwind of emotions, from devastation to jubilation, during Cobblers' stunning 4-0 victory over Exeter City in the League Two play-off final on Monday.

Adams, now 33, was looking forward to playing at Wembley for the first time in his long career, however his evening ended prematurely when forced off with a hamstring problem inside half-an-hour.

"I was disappointed to come off after half-an-hour but at 2-0 I was thinking 'please finish it off' because it's a nervy score," he explained.

"My hamstring felt a little bit tight towards the end of the semi-final. I came off quite late in that game but I trained a few times and I thought it would be OK on the night, but then I blocked a shot and thought 'oh no, that doesn't feel great'.

"I could feel it again when I ran. I tried to do another sprint but had to come off. I was devastated but it is what it is and I said to the lads you've got to see it out and I think we all deserve it for what we've done this season right from day one.

"I'm just so happy for all the lads. I'm speechless. Obviously there was no-one in the ground on the night but we know everyone was watching from home."

His team-mates didn't let him down and finished off the job in style, helped by Callum Morton's goal within 30 seconds of the wing-back leaving the field.

Adams, who has won four promotions in the last six years, added: "As I was coming off we got the second goal and that was a relief and it didn't feel as bad because at the time I was thinking 'please don't let this be my fault' if something went wrong.

"At 2-0 I felt better but it's not about me, we're a team and I just wanted to keep the boys positive.

"It was devastating but it's a boyhood dream to play at Wembley and I've got to do that and not only that, we've also won here.

"People say it doesn't matter how you play when you get to Wembley but if we had come here and lost, that's it. I wanted to come here and win and I'm just so happy for the lads, the gaffer, all the staff and the supporters.

"I'm gutted they couldn't be here but the next best thing is to watch from home and I know they all were supporting us. We've got them League One football and that's the best way to repay them for their support. I'm just buzzing for everyone."