Nottingham Forest defender Jayden Richardson suffered Wembley heartbreak as 10-man Exeter missed out on promotion to League One against Northampton.
The Cobblers triumphed 4-0 at an empty stadium where goals from Ryan Watson and Callum Morton gave Keith Curle’s side a 2-0 lead at half-time.
Dean Moxey was then sent off after the break for a crude challenge on Watson before further strikes from Sam Hoskins and Andy Williams sealed the win.
For Reds defender Richardson it was a miserable end to the campaign having starred for the Grecians following his switch to St James’s Park back in August.
He had played a key role in the semi-final having scored against Colchester to book their place under the famous arch.
But Richardson was substituted after 51 minutes at an empty Wembley as the Grecians failed to deal with Northampton’s pace and power.
The experience would have done the young Red the power of good as it was his 28th appearance for Exeter this term having made the switch from the City Ground in August. He finished with two goals to his name.
But while he was experiencing agony, former Notts County striker Vadaine Oliver and ex-Red Paul Anderson both picked up a winners’ medals.
