TWO goals apiece from Matty Kennedy and Jake Jervis and one each from Graham Carey and Ryan Taylor saw Plymouth Argyle clinch promotion with a thumping 6-1 win over Newport County AFC. Here's what we learned...

1. We’ve seen the back of Plymouth

Whatever happens over the final three games County can at least console themselves with the thought that they won’t have to face Plymouth Argyle next season.

The Pilgrims have hit 14 goals against County over five matches, winning home and away in the league as well as in the Checkatrade Trophy and in that massive FA Cup replay to earn a prized trip to Anfield.

Good riddance!

2. Telling fans to stay off the pitch is pointless

“Please do not go onto the pitch. It is an offence to enter the field of play” was the warning before the match and at half-time.

But as soon as the final whistle went and promotion was confirmed the Plymouth fans streamed onto the pristine Home Park turf.

Let’s hope the Exiles have the same problem (minus the pristine turf) if they do manage to complete the Great Escape at Rodney Parade on May 6.

3. Ignore the ‘as it stands’ table

On Friday, with Hartlepool losing to Carlisle, Michael Flynn’s men were out of the bottom two for around five minutes.

And yesterday, with Hartlepool losing and County frustrating Plymouth at 0-0, they were again out of the drop zone.

But come 5pm on both Bank Holidays the Exiles were still 23rd in the only table that counts so it’s best not to get too carried away by in-game fluctuations.

4. Flynn staying confident

Standing in the same Plymouth press room where Graham Westley had ruffled a few feathers back in December, the caretaker manager gave an honest but optimistic view of proceedings.

Flynn and his players have to put yesterday behind them and focus on three more cup finals.

And, apart from a worse goal difference, it’s as you were with County still only one point behind Hartlepool with all still to play for.

South Wales Argus:

5. It’s going to be a rollercoaster ride to the end

Fans and players were full of positivity and belief after Friday’s win over Yeovil – a third straight victory and a third straight clean sheet.

Nobody saw yesterday’s result coming, especially after a goalless first 40 minutes, and there are bound to be more twists and turns over the next three weeks.

Flynn did not get too high on Friday and was not too low on Monday – just the kind of level-headed approach County will need as we enter what Sir Alex Ferguson famously dubbed ‘squeaky bum time’.

6. Williams moves ahead of Bird

Apart from Leyton Orient’s unexpected victory over Hartlepool, the other big positive for the visitors was the number of chances they created.

And the fact that Aaron Williams fired into the top corner in stoppage time could yet be significant.

Ryan Bird was dropped to the bench and Williams was sent on ahead of his fellow striker, got the goal he was desperate for and may well have earned a start against Accrington Stanley on Saturday.