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Ex-Sligo boss Cook and three Irishmen help Portsmouth to dramatic League Two title

It’s their first trophy since lifting the FA Cup in 2008.

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.

Portsmouth v Cheltenham Town - Sky Bet League Two - Fratton Park Portsmouth captain Michael Doyle. Adam Davy Adam Davy

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.

Portsmouth v Cheltenham Town - Sky Bet League Two - Fratton Park Paul Cook. Adam Davy Adam Davy

Portsmouth v Cheltenham Town - Sky Bet League Two - Fratton Park There were wild celebrations at Fratton Park earlier. PA Wire / PA Images PA Wire / PA Images / PA Images

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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