The situation was simple going into the last game. All they had to do was equal or better Tranmere's result to maintain their league 1 status. After only two minutes though it looked like City would be heading to league 2 as play off bound Huddersfield took a 1 nil lead and silenced a packed St James Park crowd. Meanwhile Tranmere went 1 up away at all ready relegated Stockport and I was already preparing myself for relegation.
Exeter never seem to stick the script though, with 23 minutes gone City got an equaliser through captain and player of the year Matt Taylor. The goal brought renewed hope to the City faithful and even though Tranmere were now two up at Stockport, it only needed another goal from us to maintain are place in League 1.
The rest of the first half passed without drama and as the second half began the St James Park crowd went into overdrive, almost trying to suck the ball into the net. Huddersfield continued to look dangerous and if it wasn't for two world class saves from keeper Paul Jones the game would have been over.
Exeter brought on two more strikers and went for the win, but with only 9 minutes to go we were still staring relegation in the face.
That was until the 82nd minute, when Barry Corr flicked on a goal kick for Ryan Harley to delicately volley in to the bottom corner and spark possibly the most incredible celebrations St James Park has ever seen. I've never celebrated a goal so much, I don't think I ever will. It was the perfect football moment and I will always remember the moment the ball hit the back of the net.
City had to hold on 8 more minutes plus injury knowing that a Huddersfield equaliser would send them down.
Thankfully they held on and as the final whistle blew the sense of relief around the ground was euphoric. A team who was in the Conference only two seasons before had maintained their league 1 status and most importantly, would look forward to welcoming the old enemy, Plymouth Argyle back to the park after their relegation from the Championship.
This season has been great and all the drama of the last day of the season is what makes football the best game in the world. Me and my friends had travelled back from all over the country for the game and we all agree it was totally worth it. For two of our party it was a extra special experience. Two of my American flatmates came along for only their second ever football game and they couldn't have picked a better game to show them what's great about the English game.
It was a day no city fan will ever forget.
Bring on the World Cup.
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