MANAGER Eddie Howe insisted Cherries’ failure to win the League One crown should not detract from their achievements this season.

Howe’s men saw the title snatched from their grasp following an extraordinary sequence of events on the final day of an otherwise fruitful campaign.

Cherries had one hand on the trophy following their 0-0 draw at Tranmere, with rivals Doncaster and Brentford on level terms heading into injury-time at Griffin Park.

However, just seconds after Bees substitute Marcello Trotta had missed a penalty, Doncaster claimed a dramatic victory thanks to a James Coppinger goal deep into added time.

His effort saw the south Yorkshire outfit pip the Dorset club to the trophy, with Doncaster banking £25,000 for winning the league and Cherries £10,000 for finishing runners-up.

Howe, speaking at his post-match press conference, said: “The ups and downs are unbelievable. One minute you are up, the next you are down. But we are hardly down because of what we have achieved. We are going to be playing in the Championship next season.

“We were desperate to win the title and I thought we did everything but score to win the game. I thought the lads played some excellent football on what was a cabbage patch. I could not be more proud of them.

“It was the cruellest way to have it snatched away but it was out of our control. We did everything but win the game, we were excellent and Tranmere didn’t have any real chances. We bombarded their goal in the second half but just didn’t get the break we needed.

“You have to reflect on the 46 games though. The players have been very good and we have achieved something for only the second time in the club’s history. We need to be realistic and live in the real world. We are absolutely delighted and I want the players to celebrate their achievement.

“You have to look at the overall picture and how far this club has come from a few months ago. If someone had said we would be disappointed if we didn’t win the title on the last day, we wouldn’t have believed them. I am very pleased for the players. We have got next season to look forward to and that now takes my focus.”

Cherries were roared on by 2,300 travelling supporters at Prenton Park, a number of whom celebrated on the pitch following the final whistle. And although Howe’s men appeared in the directors’ box to salute their fans, Doncaster’s dramatic victory put a dampener on proceedings.

Howe added: “I was really disappointed for the supporters that we weren’t able to celebrate with them. It almost felt like we had failed. The players went on the balcony and I want to apologise for that because we wanted to tell them how much we have appreciated their support.

“We won promotion and weren’t able to celebrate with our own supporters, either this week or last. It felt like we had lost against Tranmere and there was a huge negative feeling. That was the real disappointment but it still doesn’t take away from what has happened and what has been achieved.”