Skipper Langmead says Northampton are in good shape for Wembley

But he believes he and his team-mates are in good shape to take on a side they have failed to beat in four previous meetings this season.

The Cobblers lost both league games 1-0 to the Bantams, while both ties in the FA Cup ended in draws, 1-1 at Sixfields and 3-3 at Valley Parade, before the west Yorkshire side progressed on a penalty shootout.

The bookmakers have Phil Parkinson’s side down as favourites to win promotion at the national stadium, but Langmead feels the Cobblers are hitting form at just the right time.

“It is going to be tough, but we will go into the game full of confidence,” said the Town skipper, who, in Sunday’s 1-0 semi-final win over Cheltenham Town, made his first appearance for five weeks after undergoing a knee operation.

“That is five games undefeated for us now, and we have taken on a good Cheltenham side and beaten them both times in the semi-final.”

The Cobblers went into those two games against the Robins having lost twice to the Gloucestershire side in the regular league season.

Langmead revelled in the occasion at Whaddon Road, but is now concentrating solely on Wembley, and winning promotion.

“It is absolutely fantastic to get to the final,” said the former Shrewsbury Town man.

“You work hard all season, our aim has always been promotion, and now we are one game away from achieving that.

“It is going to be a great experience and we have to make sure we prepare properly which we will do.

“We’ll enjoy the win over Cheltenham, but then the hard work starts again to make sure we are right for the final.”

And Langmead was also quick to praise the Cobblers fans for the part they played in beating Cheltenham.

The 1,600 travelling army was in good voice throughout, and Langmead said: “You saw on Sunday night the passion of the supporters.

“To reward them with a trip to Wembley, and it is great for everybody.

“I have been involved in it before, and it is a fantastic feeling to be in amongst it, certainly in a play-off final, .

“It is going to be an enjoyable couple of weeks leading up to the game but there is a lot of hard work to be done.”