Tisdale congratulates Wilder and Cobblers for '˜remarkable' achievement

The result, coupled with Oxford’s defeat to Luton and Accrington Stanley’s draw with Morecambe, was enough for the Cobblers to be crowned champions as they made it 20 successive games without defeat.

Northampton haven’t been at their best in recent weeks – Saturday was their fourth game without a win – but Tisdale has no doubts that they’re worthy champions.

He said: “You have to give them credit and congratulations to Northampton Town and to Chris Wilder. To win the league is a fantastic achievement and to do it after 42 games is remarkable really.

“If you win the league after 42 games then you’re worthy winners and to get promoted after 41 and then win it the next game is some achievement.

“They’re a good side, a disciplined outfit who’ve improved as the season has gone on and I’ve been impressed by them when watching them over the last couple of weeks.

“We knew that today was going to be a hard game and it would have been tough whether we had played them today or a month ago because they are a very good side.”

Exeter shaded the chances in Saturday’s encounter as Jayden Stockley and Jake Taylor both struck the woodwork but neither side could find the breakthrough.

“I thought we played very well today,” added Tisdale.

“It was a very good game and I still can’t believe Jayden Stockley’s header stayed out, it hit the inside of the post and Jake Taylor couldn’t get the rebound, but the big chance then fell to Jake with the header.

“That was the chance but for a manager it was a continual stick or twist because we had a real good defensive unit about us but you can’t expose yourself against a side like Northampton because they’ve taken them too often.

“There is a still lot to play for and I am not disappointed with a point. There are four games to go and still 12 points to play for.”