Bradford City gained promotion to the third tier of English football courtesy of a 3-0 victory over Northampton Town in the final of the League Two playoffs this afternoon.

© PA Photos

All three of the Yorkshire side's goals were scored within the opening 28 minutes at Wembley as they put the game out of their opponents' reach by half time.

The deadlock was broken with 15 minutes on the clock when striker James Hanson rose at the back post to send a header over Northampton goalkeeper Lee Nicholls and into the net.

© PA Photos

Another header doubled Bradford's advantage four minutes later as Rory McArdle stole in to send his low effort just inside then near post from close range.

Their third and decisive goal was scored by leading goalscorer Nahki Wells, who took advantage of the time and space that he had inside the Northampton penalty area to volley into the net with his instep.

© PA Photos

Northampton manager Aidy Boothroyd introduced Adebayo Akinfenwa into the action early in the second half, but his physical presence failed to spark a comeback from the Cobblers.

It was left to Bradford to see out the remainder of the match and they did so with minimal fuss to secure their place in League One next season.