Freddie Ladapo and Marcus Harness were on target as a 2-2 draw at Fleetwood saw 10-man Town finish second in League One, former Blue Jack Marriott netting twice for the home side, while Harry Clarke saw red in injury time. Sub Ladapo put the Blues in front five minutes after half-time, but Marriott levelled seven minutes later, then put the Lancastrians ahead on 69 before Harness put Town back on terms with Clarke red-carded for a second bookable offence two minutes into time added-on.

Skipper Sam Morsy was evidently among those who manager Kieran McKenna was referring to when he said one or two players had knocks going into the match and missed out on a place in the squad but travelled, while Clarke was on the bench.

Dominic Ball and Janoi Donacien, facing his former loan club, came into the side, while Christian Walton captained for the first time. Richard Keogh, who looks set to leave the club in the summer, was on the bench.

Fleetwood made two changes from the team which lost 2-0 at Bolton last week with Carlos Mendez Gomes and Harrison Holgate coming into the team and the suspended Jayden Stockley and former Blues centre-half Toto Nsiala dropping out of the squad.

Ex-Blues striker Marriott started, while on-loan Town defender Corrie Ndaba was ineligible.

Former Blues striker Danny Haynes was in the stand on co-comms duty in one of his old Town shirts, while Mark Steed, chief investment officer of PSPRS, the pension fund which is ultimately Town’s owner, was also in the stand with his wife Jessica, as was retired Premier League referee Mike Dean.

Conor Chaplin, hoping to secure the Golden Boot and a 30th goal of the season, struck the game’s first shot in the opening minute, Luke Woolfenden having curled a cross following a half-cleared free-kick which reached the forward at the far post from where he volleyed an effort across the face and wide.

As Fleetwood keeper Jay Lynch prepared to restart, the 1,400 Town fans behind his goal began to chant ‘We are top of the league’, Port Vale having netted an early goal against previous leaders Plymouth.

Three minutes later a Leif Davis corner flashed across the area, just avoiding Wes Burns with the Blues having made a very positive start.

The Cod Army threatened for the first time in the sixth minute, Phoenix Patterson wafting a cross from deep on the right but too far in front of Promise Omochere.

There was a scare for the Blues in the 10th minute when Donacien stumbled as he sought to play the ball back to Walton, leaving him in no-man’s land. But the stand-in skipper did well to force home skipper Josh Vela wide and Fleetwood were unable to make anything of the chance.

Two minutes later, Shaun Rooney crossed from the right and the ball was flicked goalwards by Marriott but Walton, confirmed as League One’s Golden Glove winner with Bolton’s James Trafford not in action at Bristol Rovers, saved sharply.

Town were forced into a change in the 17th minute when on-loan Leicester striker George Hirst limped off. As the Blues fans sang ‘Ashton, get your chequebook out’, Ladapo took over.

Hirst ends his highly successful spell with the Blues having scored seven times in 16 starts and seven sub appearances.

Ladapo made his first contribution on 21, taking a touch to a ball chipped by Woolfenden from halfway over the backline before volleying over from 30 yards.

Two minutes later, Burns shot over from just outside the area after a Donacien cross from the right had been cleared then played to the Welshman.

Town threatened again on 26, Nathan Broadhead teeing-up Chaplin inside the area having been found following an attack down the left, but the forward’s shot was diverted over by Brendan Wiredu.

Three minutes later, after a couple of sloppy moments at the back from Burns and Woolfenden, Luongo sent Davis away on the left and the former Leeds man’s cross was punched away by Lynch ahead of Ladapo.

The Blues continued to look for opportunities, Broadhead having the ball stabbed away from him when in a promising position in the area on 34 after an intricate passing move down the left. Following the corner, Luongo’s shot was blocked by Rooney.

Town were well on top and creating chances more frequently and in the 36th minute Ladapo headed over after Davis had stood-up a cross from the left. Meanwhile, Plymouth had gone into a 2-1 lead at Vale Park.

In the 42nd minute, with Cameron Burgess down in the other half having suffered a knock, Donacien crossed from the right and Chaplin volleyed against Rooney. Burgess was able to continue after treatment.

Just before the fourth official indicated three additional minutes, Burns crossed low from the right but the sliding Chaplin was unable to get enough on the ball to divert it into the net.

Soon after, Ball played a long ball forward for Broadhead, who beat the offside trap, took a touch but smashed his shot well over.

That was the final chance of a half which during which the Blues had been well in control and had created more than enough chances to have gone in in front but with Fleetwood defenders getting themselves in the way or Town’s shooting for once wayward.

The Cod Army had a couple of chances midway through the half following a couple of slack moments at the back.

Two minutes after the restart, Ladapo held the ball up and turned it into the path of Chaplin, who shot agonisingly wide. Moments later, Burns almost played in Ladapo on the right of the box but a defender’s toe took the ball away from the Town striker.

And the goal which Town had been searching for all afternoon, number 100 for the season, finally came in the 50th minute.

Ladapo was played a bouncing ball from the right of the box, held off Wiredu and smashed his 21st goal of the campaign past Lynch, who wasn’t anticipating a shot, from a tight angle, into the net off the underside of the bar.

It was a goal out of nothing from the frontman, who has more than played his part in Town’s promotion, despite having been a sub more often than not in recent weeks.

Town went looking for a second and on 56 Chaplin’s snap-shot from the left of the box deflected behind off Wiredu.

But Town’s lead was to last only seven minutes. Omochere crossed from the right, Woolfenden and Donacien slid in to block from Patterson but the St Lucia-born defender’s attempted clearance slammed against former Blue Marriott and found the back of the net.

There was to be no final-day clean sheet for Walton, whose tally of shut-outs for the season ends on 23.

While the home side celebrated their goal, news filtered through that Plymouth had stretched their lead at Port Vale to 3-1, fading Town’s hopes of winning the title further.

On 63, Mendes Gomes struck a shot from distance which deflected wide, then Town made a double change two minutes later, Clarke and Marcus Harness replacing Donacien and Broadhead.

And four minutes after the changes, the Blues found themselves behind. A corner from the right was flicked on to the far post from where Marriott nodded his second goal of the game into the net.

But Fleetwood’s lead also wasn’t to last. In the 74th minute, Chaplin hit a shot which was blocked, but the ball fell to Harness, who hit a shot from the penalty spot into the corner of Lynch’s net off Wiredu, the summer signing from Portsmouth’s eighth goal of the season and his first since November 19th.

Two minutes after scoring, Harness found his way into the referee’s book for pulling back Carl Johnston as Fleetwood broke forward.

On 81, Ladapo shot across the face and just wide, the ball taking a touch off a defender on its way before Town made further changes, Kyle Edwards and Kayden Jackson taking over from Davis and Burns.

Almost immediately following the corner, Jackson cut back from the left to Ladapo, who was crowded out on the edge of the six-yard box.

Clarke joined fellow sub Harness in the book on 85 for a foul on Lewis Warrington, when the Town man clearly thought he’d won the ball.

The Blues were looking the side most likely to score the game’s fifth goal and on 89 Jackson was found on the right of the box but saw his effort blocked.

Two minutes into injury time, Town were reduced top 10 men for the first time in the league during 2022/23. Clarke, having been harshly booked earlier, could have few complaints about the second for a foul on Cian Hayes on halfway.

Neither side was able to find a winning goal in the remaining minutes and Town’s season ended in a draw.

The Blues had enough chances to win it but allowed Fleetwood a scruffy first goal and then the second from a set piece.

Plymouth’s 3-1 win at Port Vale means the League One silverware goes to Home Park, but Town won’t be too concerned by that with promotion by any route having been the aim at the start of the season.

Town are promoted having finished second for the first time in their history, all previous promotions having been via divisional titles with the exception of the 2000 play-off final victory.

While the Blues missed out on 100 points, they end on 98, they moved on to 101 goals, only the fourth time the club has ever hit 100 and the joint-second most ever.

Walton claims the Golden Glove and Chaplin the Golden Boot having netted 26 times in the league, shared with Peterborough's Jonson Clarke-Harris.

At the end, the Blues’ players and staff went over to applaud their fans at the end of their last game in League One.

Town end the season on a 19-game unbeaten run, the second-longest in the club’s history, ahead of a return to the Championship in August.

Fleetwood: Lynch, Wiredu, Mendes Gomes (White 69), Vela (c), Marriott, Warrington (Glenfield 86), Holgate (Teale 69), Omochere (Quitirna 83), Patterson (Hayes 87), Rooney, Johnston. Unused: McMullan, Johnson.

Town: Walton (c), Donacien (Clarke 65), Woolfenden, Burgess, Burns (Jackson 81), Ball, Luongo, Davis (Edwards 81), Chaplin, Broadhead (Harness 65), Hirst (Ladapo 19). Unused: Hladky, Keogh, Edwards, Jackson. Referee: Ross Joyce (Cleveland).

Photo: Matchday Images

DaGremloid added 15:20 - May 7 I'm not going to lie - I do feel gutted we couldn't have added the Div 1 champions trophy to our cabinet to hopefully kiss this depressing division goodbye for good, but as everyone has said, the main thing is we're up and so we can now plan for a much more promising future. Big congratulations to Plymouth. I've been disappointed to read some pretty ungracious and bitchy comments about them over the season. Their achievement on a fraction of our budget is huge, but I agree that we will possibly adapt to the championship better. Overall a great season: we got there in the end after three previously long and very depressing campaigns. Congratulations again to the club, players, and management; and all the fans too, especially those who remained confident throughout. Respect. Happy summer, all.

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Marinersnose added 15:21 - May 7 Listen I'd like to focus on the fact that our football this season has been outstanding and entertaining, our stadium rocking and mostly full to capacity, we've scored over 100 goals and achieving promotion to the Championship. It's been a fantastic season which ultimately ended last Saturday with a massive win and amazing celebrations. Today was difficult and as KMK has said we were short today which is a rarity. Our starting 11 was not as strong and I believe a few will have played their last game for town. Another good right back is needed along with a central defender. Clark still learning and JD probably not quite at the level all round for Championship football albeit he's been a star for Ipswich in this league. I'm looking forward to next season and I anticipate a very competitive squad being assembled over the next week or two. Well done to all parties

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blueboy1981 added 15:21 - May 7 Here's Wishing you All a Great Summer, and a succesful 23/24 Season in the Championship - a special mention for that Amazing Travelling Support throughout the Season, certainly the best of all at our level for sure. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻⚽️
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Europablue added 15:38 - May 7 blueboy1981, we're much better set up for the top League One clubs than we are for the scrappy away games against the likes of Fleetwood. I couldn't think of a much harder match to end the season, so it was great that we got the job done last week. Unless there is a team like Burnley, then I don't think next season we will have any more difficult matches than this one.

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WhoisJimmyJuan added 15:50 - May 7 If we're going to get out of League One, we have to beat teams like Fleetwood
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martin587 added 15:51 - May 7 Great support today and all season.We have been tremendous away and even better at PR.Job done although today was a bit of an anticlimax.Looking forward to a nice restful summer as I hope you all have as well and roll on next season.👏👏
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Gforce added 16:14 - May 7 A shame not to reach the magic 100 points and 100 goals,but it's still been an unbelievable season,with us breaking several records.Certainly one hell of an improvement on many recent seasons,especially when you compare it to the horrendous terrible football under McCarthy. Today unfortunately an after the lords mayor show performance. But when all considered we effectively had 30% of our first team out in Morsy ,Clarke and Hirst ,so not really surprising. Enjoy your holidays guys and girls, Sit back relax and watch the others stress it out in the play-offs !!!

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Facefacts added 16:18 - May 7 Never make your goalkeeper captain. He can't get in the referee's ear.
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pauldart added 16:21 - May 7 bit flat today, but its football and this happens, amzing run in and so many moments to cherish. This side under KMcK wont be anywhere near League One again. if we learn anything from this year and Plymouth's run in particular, then if we can make our home record good we could make playoffs next season. COYB
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Fatboy added 16:40 - May 7 So long, Fleetwood, and thanks for all the fish.
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Rimsy added 16:53 - May 7 Can't say I was surprised by a flat performance, we've put so much into the last 3 months, the fall off was bound to happen now we reached our goal. Morsy a big miss, he breaks up everything giving Luongo licence to drive forward, Ball a totally different player.
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Bergholtblue added 16:56 - May 7 2 - 2 on the last match of the season, having dropped the Captain... Sack him!!! Seriously, what a fantastic season! We have amassed 98 points and needed every one of them to go up automatically . Wednesday, Barnsley and Bolton each have over 80 points and only one may join us. Its a very tough league and I am glad we are out of it.
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oldelsworthyfan added 17:13 - May 7 What a season! We've done what we wanted to do - win promotion. Congratulations to Plymouth - they have quietly got on with the job without any big mouths running us down, while taking 5 points off us!
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Orraman added 17:22 - May 7 Pity to miss out on title but the main prize was won with an escape from League One. I suppose it was hard for players to come back down to earth after the celebrations of the last seven days and who can blame them for the magnificent effort each and every one has put into this season. Today showed just how invaluable Sam Morsy is to us. Ball a capable deputy but nowhere near the formidable strength of our captain. Possibly lost a bit of forward early momentum with Clarke dropping to bench although a well deserved finale to the season for Janoi. The injury to Hirst also no doubt upset pre match plans but it has been a glorious season with so much to enjoy from some outstanding results. A well earned rest now awaits the squad and it won't be too long before next season's fixtures are published and we can start anticipating more good times at Portman Rd

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joyousblue added 17:42 - May 7 Whoisjimmyjuan were out of league one , didnt you notice ????
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joyousblue added 17:43 - May 7 Just a bog thankyou phil ham for all you do have a great summer
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SpiritOfJohn added 17:45 - May 7 Well done Super Blues for reaching the 100 goal milestone today. Fleetwood gave a good account of themselves and showed how tough it is to get results in this league - so well done to them, and well done to us for keeping the unbeaten run going. Chaplin didn't have his normal deadly accuracy I front of goal today but I'm prepared to forgive him. Congrats to Plymouth for getting to 101 points - they won a lot of tight games so fair play to them. It's been a great season but good riddance to League One!

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budgieplucker added 17:55 - May 7 Like others I am not complaining after such a brilliant run in. Only relieved that we didn't have to come to Fleetwood and get a win on the last day to secure promotion. Sometimes you just cannot explain why players give flat performances, but clearly our rhythm was disturbed today by missing Sam Morsy, which does show you he is the heartbeat of team. Credit to Fleetwood with nothing to really play for they wanted to give us a good old game, which they did, so they made us stutter and scrap as well. Dominic Ball will have played with Massimo at QPR so I was hoping for a bit more fluency from the centre of the park but for me Dominic was a weak link today, I think he will be a good bench player to cover defence and midfield next year but personally I would like to have seen Cameron Humphreys given another chance today. Today will have kept us sober as well, and I think the owners are going to want us to upgrade part of the team to give us a better chance of success next year. This may mean the end of the line for some players who have done well for us in the third team and some who most definitely have struggled to pull up trees when out on loan. Certainly I expect Ndaba and Harper to probably be moved on as they are unlikely to be anywhere near our bench or even a third tier team. Janoi has just signed an extension to his contract so he will probably remain as back up. I can see us trying to sign Hurst and maybe another established forward at Championship level, which may mean the surprise departure of Freddie (who struggled the last time he played at tier two). Whilst, one would expect Lee Evans to be a shoe in his injury record does concern. Camera and Ahadme are difficult ones, probably a season long loan for Ahadme. Jackson and Harness for me have not done enough to say they will be anything other than bench warmers in Championship and these are the sort of players we may need to consider offloading to make space to bring in an established player at Championship level. If Hladky goes a new backup keeper will be needed. I also think that Aluko and Keogh will not figure in the squad even if they remain at the club in some capacity. It's not that I don't rate some of the names I mentioned but from a finance perspective (little debt, good backing) and having some of the bigger crowds compared to other Championship Clubs, I think we will now be able to shop further afield and get work permits and attract players that we would never have achieved in Div 1. Our squad is currently big and will need to be trimmed to bring in a handful of new recruits. It would be sad to see a Sone Aluko go as he is a skilful and delightful player to watch, but brutally as a number 10 or wide inside forward he may help with an assist or two but his goal threat is minimal and I don't see him being able to say cover for a Connor Chaplin for a lengthy period should injury forbid materialise.

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dirtydingusmagee added 18:24 - May 7 joyousblue thats a bit harsh lol
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Nomore4 added 19:39 - May 7 Totally agree Robsonwalk. Morsey a complete captain. And a pleasure to watch throughout the season. A true leader the squad, fans, the whole club respect immensely. Constantly driving others on during matches, and setting the standards.
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Nomore4 added 19:44 - May 7 With the rules of L1 spending out the way……I can see major investment in this already capable squad.
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Nomore4 added 19:47 - May 7 Norwich City we're coming for you……you better believe it
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planetblue_2011 added 19:58 - May 7 To be honest it was a fair result today think we were slightly below par & could see energy levels weren't where they were a week ago. We missed Morsy for the drive in midfield, not saying Ball isn't a good replacement. We just missed Morsy for that type of game. Happy with a point glad we didn't loose. Plymouth deserve the title basically because they won again & haven't really slipped up all season. Town deserve 2nd which has been a brilliant season for the tractor boys, certainly one to remember!! Really think we will carry on the good fortunes into next season. Well done McKenna & the boys. Let the promotion party begin again tomorrow🙌🙌🤩

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thecheek added 20:11 - May 7 We achieved our objective in style last week Today was relatively meaningless
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troyparrotsleftear added 20:11 - May 7 Not impressed with that performance at all and really does not bode well for next season. Work to do McKenna
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