Goal-hero James Hanson insisted City got what they deserved after destroying Northampton 3-0 to clinch their place in League One next season.

The big striker opened the scoring with a firm header from Garry Thompson’s cross and further strikes from Rory McArdle and Nahki Wells sealed victory before the half-time whistle.

Hanson, who is due back in Bradford for the blessing of his six-month-old daughter Lexie on Sunday, was left delighted as City bounced back from their previous Wembley appearance in the Capital One Cup defeat to Swansea in February.

After Hanson’s 59th appearance of the season, he said: “We never got a chance against Swansea but we started like a house on fire today and pretty much won the game after 30 minutes, so we’re delighted.

“We started really well and I think we fully deserved it.

“It was an important time to get the three goals.”

Nathan Doyle had been an unused substitute for Hull City when they beat Bristol City in the 2008 Championship play-off final.

But the midfielder played a pivotal role this afternoon and said: “It feels brilliant whether you’re an unused sub or are starting.

“It just feels magnificent. To see the fans come here in such force; the support has been amazing.

“Unfortunately we lost on the day against Swansea but there are a lot of good memories from the victories before that.

“We had to come here and perform and we’ve done that today.”