WITH PROMOTION ALREADY secured, Portsmouth become just the fifth club to win all four divisions of English football as they lifted the League Two title in the most dramatic of circumstances.
Starting the final day of the season in third, Portsmouth hammered Cheltenham 6-1 at Fratton Park and were crowned champions after both Plymouth and Doncaster dropped points away from home.
Incredibly, it was the first time Paul Cook’s side were top of the table all season.
The former Sligo Rovers boss has done a stellar job at Fratton Park since taking the reins in May 2015 and today he lifted the League Two title for the second time after winning it with Chesterfield in 2013/14.
There is a strong League of Ireland connection at the club with goalkeeper David Forde playing an integral role in their success this season while former Shamrock Rovers defender Enda Stevens has revived his career on the south coast.
The former Ireland U21 international was also named Portsmouth Player of the Year.
Although not involved today due to injury, Noel Hunt made 20 appearances for Pompey throughout the campaign while captain Michael Doyle, the 35-year-old Dubliner, led the celebrations.
It is Portsmouth’s first trophy since Harry Redknapp guided them to FA Cup glory in 2008.
There was, however, heartbreak for Hartlepool as they were relegated along with Leyton Orient, while Luton, Exeter, Carlisle and Blackpool will vie for promotion in the play-offs.
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