Lincoln 2-1 Macclesfield: Terry Hawkridge double fires Lincoln back into the English Football League

Lincoln City clinched promotion back to the Football League thanks to a Terry Hawkridge double in a 2-1 win at home to Macclesfield.

They had to come from behind after an accurate snapshot by Mitch Hancox midway through the first half put the visitors ahead.

But nothing was going to spoil the Imps' party in the last home game of a phenomenal season and just three minutes later, Hawkridge prodded in from close range after Scott Flinders had let slip Lee Angol's strike.

Hawkridge's second after the break capped Lincoln's return to the top 92 clubs after a six-year absence.

The winger curled beautifully into the far bottom corner to finish the job and secure the National League title..

Promotion caps a remarkable season for Cowley's men which saw them embarked on an FA Cup run which saw them become the first non-league side to reach the quarter-finals of the competition in 103 years.

They were beaten in the last eight by Premier League side Arsenal but that defeat did not affect their bid to return to the English Football League.

James Norwood and Connor Jennings both struck twice as Tranmere guaranteed the runners-up spot in the National League with a routine 4-1 victory over relegated Southport.

Rovers had a handful of chances before they took a deserved 25th-minute lead, Michael Ihiekwe providing the through ball for Norwood to fire the ball past goalkeeper Chris Cheetham.

The home side wrapped it up at the start of the second half with two quick-fire goals, Norwood doubling his tally with a delightful lob inside the first minute for his 14th goal of the season, before Jennings curled a third into the top corner in the 50th minute.

Rovers defender Lee Vaughan was stretchered off following a challenge by Spencer Myers, who reduced the arrears in the 61st minute after a neat knock-down by Andrai Jones.

But, Rovers restored their three-goal advantage 10 minutes later when James Wallace provided the pass for Jennings to slide the ball under Cheetham.