TAUNTON Town boss Leigh Robinson identified the "hunger" of his side as the key factor behind their memorable campaign.
The Peacocks wrapped up promotion with a 3-2 win over Kidlington yesterday (Saturday) and will now focus on claiming the title.
AS IT HAPPENED: Peacocks seal promotion with home win
They have lost just once in the league so far this season and are unbeaten on the road, leaving Robinson to hail the spirit and quality of his team.
Congratulations to @TauntonTownFC for being the first team to win promotion across Steps 1 to 4! π
β The Non-League Paper (@NonLeaguePaper) March 31, 2018
Reflecting on what sets the Peacocks apart, the Town boss said: "I think it's hunger.
"We've got a lot of very hungry lads in there. At the start of the season we didn't quite have it right - we were winning but I wasn't quite happy with how the team was - but we've brought in key players at key times.Β
"When Matt Buse and Dan Sullivan came in they gave us that extra bit of dynamism and Keith Emmerson has given us experience.
"We've got a lot of lads who are desperate to achieve something, and when you have that in non-league football you can go a long way.
"We have a never say die attitude that's been there for all to see."
CELEBRATIONS: Town's players after the final whistle.
Town's next task is to secure the title - they currently stand 14 points clear of second-placed Salisbury (who have a game in hand) with seven matches to play.
"From a dressing room point of view the title is number one and promotion is number two, but for the people who run the club and those on the terraces promotion is probably number one and then the title is a bit of a bonus," Robinson said.
SCENES: Taunton Town fans celebrate promotion
"We wanted to get promotion out the way as hopefully now the pressure will be off a bit and we can keep that momentum going to go and win the title in the next few games.
"It won't be easy - we have several games against sides who are going for the play-offs so they will be motivated but I'm sure our lads will be just as motivated to go and wrap up the title."
Here's how the players and staff reacted on social media...
The character in this team is unbelievable β€οΈ We are going up ππ½ Fans absolutely outstanding π€π½ @TauntonTownFC
β Matt Wright (@MWright09) March 31, 2018
Buzzing to secure promotion! βοΈβοΈπ₯π₯ #wearegoingup @TauntonTownFC
β Matt Buse (@Matt_Buse) March 31, 2018
WE ARE GOING UPPP! @TauntonTownFC Now to wrap up the league title βοΈβ½οΈπ #UTP
β Lloyd Irish (@lloydirish) March 31, 2018
And ............. WE ARE GOING UP πππππup the buys @TauntonTownFC
β shane white (@shanewhite66) March 31, 2018
Delighted for @TauntonTownFC on achieving promotion! Massive well done to everyone involved.
β Brett Trowbridge (@BrettTrowbridge) March 31, 2018
Absolutley buzzing for @TauntonTownFC going up... FINALLY! From an incredible run from before I left for Australia the boys carried through like I knew they would, without loosing a game! π₯π₯π₯
β Ross Staley (@Ross_Staley) March 31, 2018
Get in there! @TauntonTownFC ππΎππΎππΎ
β Nuno Felix (@njfelix1) March 31, 2018
We are going up, say we are going upβ½οΈππ½βοΈβοΈ #UpThePeacocks @TauntonTownFC
β Dan Sully (@dansully11) March 31, 2018
Fantastic group of players, never give up , pleased for the Chairman and the gaffer @leighrobbo08 @KevinSturmey , and of course the supporters who have been different level , promotion before April is some achievement, now letβs finish it off ππ»ππ»ππ»ππ»
β RobDray (@RobDray1) March 31, 2018
WE ARE GOING UPPPPP!!!!!!!! @TauntonTownFC πππ₯π₯βοΈβοΈ
β Ryan Brett (@RyanBrett3) March 31, 2018
Great day today for all involved @TauntonTownFC everyone within the club, players, staff and fans deserved it. We Are Going Up πβοΈπ₯β½οΈ#team #topfans #greatclub
β Keith Emmerson (@MrKEmmerson) March 31, 2018
Amazing day which don't happen too often. The @TauntonTownFC management & players are a special group & fans have been our 12th man #proud
β Kevin Sturmey (@KevinSturmey) March 31, 2018
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