County's League One season ended in heartbreak last night (Wednesday 14 May) as they lost in the play-offs against Leyton Orient.

After a tense second leg game which finished 1-1 (3-3 aggregate) even after 30 minutes of extra time, Leyton Orient won 4-1 on penalties.

The club expressed commiseration at the defeat in a statement on social media, saying: "An agonising end to an incredible first season back in League One, but still so much to be proud of.

"These boys have given everything this season, and so have you. Thank you for your incredible support, and we'll see you again next season."

Speaking after the game, manager Dave Challinor said he was proud of the players, but said he was disappointed at some of the fans.

"My biggest disappointment is watching people walking out of the stadium when it's 3-1, and giving up", he said.

"I've not said it all through the season, but I've seen it throughout the course of the season. People walking out when these players have given everything and got themselves into a really good position.

"If the players gave up with five minutes to go, we wouldn't be in the position that we are."

The gaffer also said he was disappointed with the start of the game, when County conceded early in the third minute against Leyton Orient's Ollie O'Neill.

Looking to the future, Challinor said that "next season, nothing changes".

"Just because we've finished third, doesn't mean we have a divine right to finish, third, second, first next season at all. [...] The division will remain competitive."

The gaffer said the team were realistic, but also ambitious for next season.

"We've done unbelievably well to get ourselves this opportunity.

"Unfortunately, it wasn't our time tonight."

And although upset, the fans were similarly proud of the club.

As one fan told Nub News: "It's definitely sad, but if you'd told me a few seasons ago that we'd have finished third in League One I'd have bitten your hand off."

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