Fleetwood Town 2-2 Ipswich Town: Kieran McKenna's verdict

Both teams secured promotion last weekend and went into the final day battling for top spot.

Argyle went behind early at Port Vale, but came back to win 3-1 and be crowned as champions on 101 points.

Freddie Ladapo goes close for Town (Image: PA Images)

Ipswich, meanwhile, drew 2-2 at Fleetwood to finish second with 98 points and 101 goals.  

"Congratulations to Plymouth - that's an incredible achievement," said McKenna.

"Full credit to them. They've broken the 100 point barrier. Massive credit to Steven (Schumacher), his staff, players and the football club.

"It's been a great season for them and we look forward to meeting them next year."

On his own side's display at Highbury Stadium, he said: "There's no doubt about it, it wasn't our best performance. We didn't hit the levels we have done across a large majority of the season.

"We finished last weekend at home with a 6-0 (win against Exeter). It was such a wonderful day, probably the best day of a lot of the players' lives, and we didn't manage to hit those levels today.

Jack Marrott scores to put Fleetwood 2-1 up (Image: PA Images)

"Of course we wanted to, but they're humans and we didn't hit that level.

"We still did enough to create enough chances to win the game, but the performance wasn't at the level that we have hit."

He continued: "The players and staff work so hard. We train and live to a level of intensity and professionalism that is really, really high. That's why the performances have been at the consistent level they have been.

"For me it's not about budgets or talents, it's about how hard we've worked every day to get the edge and intensity.

"We haven't had that so much this week for obvious reasons and weren't able to find that edge today. When we don't do that then we're not such a good team.

"We weren't as dominant in the game as we have been for most of the year.

Marcus Harness celebrates his equaliser (Image: PA Images)

"There's a little lesson there. It's a little reminder for everyone going into next year that, for me, what separates us is the intensity and focus that we work with day-to-day. That's what we need to do next year but many times over."

Reflecting on the campaign as a whole, the Bluess boss said: "We take great pride in this season. Of course we wanted to finish it off today with a win, but it wasn't to be. There's still an awful lot to be pleased about and to look forward to.

"It's been an incredible season. In so many ways, both on and off the pitch, it's been a huge season for the club.

"We've scored 101 goals, only lost four games, have played such a high level of football for so many games. There's a lot to be proud of.

"Everyone can take the next week or two to enjoy that. But we're already starting to fous on next season and making sure we come back and put in a big, big effort pre-season to be as ready as we can be."

Harry Clarke sees red late on (Image: PA Images)

Explaining the absence of skipper Sam Morsy, McKenna said: "He's got a little knee injury that wouldn't have been right to risk in the circumstances today."

On Harry Clarke's stoppage-time dismissal for a second yellow card, he said: "I'd have to watch it back, but I thought they were two poor tackles and it was a poor red card."

Town's staff and players now make the long journey back to Suffolk from Lancashire. Tomorrow, they will celebrate promotion with supporters in a free event at Christchurch Park.

"It's going to be great to see Christchurch Park with so many people in it. It's an event to look forward to," said McKenna.

Nathan Broadhead reacts to a missed opportunity (Image: Pagepix Ltd)

"The fans will want to come out and see the players but it's also about us having a chance to thank them for their wonderful support too."

He added: "It's been a lot of work for myself and all the staff. There's a lot of sacrifice made in terms of family time. I'm looking forward to spending some time with them now and having a holiday to make sure I'm fresh and ready to go again."