Saturday at the New Lawn was a truly joyous day. A record crowd celebrated the fine achievement of a play-off place.

Tranmere, Mansfield and Newport are good enough to win through to Wembley, but on our day we can do it and create history.

Apart the prospect of the M6 on a Friday night we have every reason to be optimistic. The season has proved we have a team with match winners in it. We are capable of beating anyone in our league. Special praise goes to manager Mark Cooper, celebrating his third year at the helm. He knew of the danger of players getting injured, but he was also aware of his wider responsibilities to the competition. He had to produce a side that would make Exeter fight for victory. It would have to other teams to give them an easy ride. They did not get one! Better in the second-half than the first, Forest Green defended stoically. Although play-off seeking Exeter had plenty of possession, they created very few clear cut chances. Praise is also due to the large number of travelling fans. Despite missing out their behaviour was exemplary.

It was a good day all round.The adjoining field was used for children's activities and it was good to see the Reid, Gunning and Collins families joining in. I heard one proud voice say 'I have come to see my Dad play for Forest Green'! We should all be proud.

Finally, a word on Coops. I had the pleasure of bumping into him on the morning of the Exeter game with Penny in a Cirencester coffee house. He was calmness personified and charming company.