Riley Harbottle was proud of Bristol Rovers' performance against Notts County but feels his side could have taken all three points at Meadow Lane.
The Pirates were searching for their ninth straight victory, something no other team in England's top five leagues has achieved this season, and had to show plenty of character against a Magpies team that still had the chance of achieving automatic promotion.
The hosts gained the lead in the first half, with Nicholas Tsaroulla breaking the deadlock before the Gas responded in the second half, with Ellis Harrison netting his seventh goal in five games to earn a point on the final day of the campaign.
However, with Shaq Forde and Yusuf Akhamrich having one-on-one opportunities to score, Harbottle feels one point could have been three. Nevertheless, the defender was pleased with the way his team reacted and hopes they can use the momentum they have gained next term.
Riley, end of the season, that was quite a battle out there today.
“Yeah, I think we knew, obviously, the quality of their team. It wasn't going to be an easy game. So, to come out and take a point on the last day and perform how we did in that second half. Yeah, we can definitely be happy with that.”
And you had some great chances to probably win it as well...
"I think the second half, and first half, we had chances, but I think definitely in the second half, we were the much better team and probably should have come away with three points.”
We were looking at how the first half unfolded. It looked like their system was particularly tricky to play against, with the freedom that they allowed those attacking midfielders.
“As I say, this is a great club. It's a great setup. The style they like to play. It's hard to play against. So, if you get it wrong and you're just a little bit late to certain situations, they definitely punish you. I think they did that a lot in the first half, but the character from ourselves to put it right in the second half and dominate shows a lot.”
The quality you have got coming off the bench, Yusuf and Tommy Leigh came on at half-time. I thought they made a real impact.
“I don't want to make Tommy's head any bigger, but he definitely did really well. Yusuf as well. I thought Joel Senior was the best player on the pitch by a mile today. He's absolutely outstanding.
“The quality, you look; we've got Joe Quigley. If you're a defender and you start with Ellis and Promise, and then you see Fabrizio Cavegn and Quigs coming on. Jesus! All the best.”
The winning run has ended, eight games in a row winning. Is there a tinge of disappointment that you haven't kept it and it's nine?
“Yeah, I think obviously you're always disappointed when you're on a run like that. But it's always going to come to an end one day. We're proud of what we've done, and we can build on that next season.”
Not saying any names, but obviously, some of your teammates are going to be moving on this summer, and they'regoing to start finding out over the next few days. How difficult is this spell for professional footballers when some players are told that they're not staying?
“Yeah, it's horrible, but it's part of the game. You look at it; you get contracts for a length of time. And when that's up, and you've done your job for the club and things, you have to look elsewhere.
“Obviously, a new manager comes in, and he might have different ideas from the old manager. So obviously it'sdisappointing. We've got a great group of lads, and I think that's why we've done so well this season, through tough times. So no, I'd like to thank all of them who have been here. I think, yeah, it's been a breath of fresh air to play for this football club with all of them.”
And the hope is, I think, from the gaffer that he keeps the nucleus together, most of you stay together and that you can kick on next season now and go for promotion.
“Yeah, exactly that. I think obviously the gaffer wants to keep a certain number of players, and he'll want to add to that. And hopefully we'll be at the top end of the table next season.”
