CAPTAIN Paul Caddis was disappointed his side could not secure promotion to League One with a victory at Gillingham, but admitted it felt sweet however it was secured.

Town lost 3-1 at Priestfield, but a defeat for Torquay and a draw for Crawley meant they were promoted regardless.

“It was always going to be a long season and it has been. It has been tough but we managed to get there in the end,” Caddis said.

“It was disappointing not to be able to do it with a win because that is what we wanted, but it is a 46-game season and we have achieved our first aim.

“We could have done it over the past couple of weeks, but we have done it now and that is all that matters.”

Caddis believes the turning point for promotion was a run of nine straight league wins in January and February, and paid a special tribute to the club’s loyal fans.

“I really do not believe any other team in our league could have done that, and it was a real turning point.

“But it was weird in the end celebrating after we had lost, but we will take it and celebrate with our fans because they have been amazing for us.

“They travel all over the place, and on behalf of the players, we know it is not easy in this day and age. They come away in their numbers every week and we love them.

“We all have parents and friends of our own and we know what life is like when you are not a footballer, and we appreciate the job we have and massively appreciate all of the support they give us, they have been amazing.”