Being able to celebrate a historic achievement in front of their own fans and honouring the players who had made it possible made Braintree Town’s success even more special for boss Danny Cowley on the final day of the season.

Two goals from Michael Cheek and one from Mitch Brundle secured a 3-0 win against Altrincham that meant Braintree finished their season third in the Vanarama National League table.

The highest they had ever managed before was sixth – two years ago – and Cowley was delighted to see his team’s hard work repaid with success.

He has often said this season, that just attaining a place in the play-offs would be a miracle but they did it with room to spare.

“What’s bigger than a miracle?” said Cowley.

“I don’t know but that’s what this is.

“It’s been amazing.

“It’s a fairytale.”

The final whistle at the end of the game against Altrincham heralded mass celebrations around the Avanti Stadium and Braintree’s players and staff were able to celebrate with their fans on the pitch.

That made it even more special for the manager as end-of-season awards were handed out in the sun in an impromptu ceremony at the side of the pitch.

Matt Paine won the Supporters’ Player-of-the-Year award, while Mark Phillips and Sam Habergham jointly picked up the Players’ Player-of-the-Year award and Cowley felt it was fitting to be able to share that with the fans who had cheered them to victory in the final game.

“It unfolded in front of the fans just as I wanted it to,” he said.

“Last year, I gave the players their player-of-the-year trophies in my third meeting with them.

“The season had kind of fizzled out back then with Alan (Devonshire) having left with two games to go and it was important to do it properly this time.

“It was important to thank the fans because they may be small in number, but they are big in heart and our ground was rocking in that game.”