Rotherham United failed to deny Exeter City their second consecutive promotion after the Grecians secured a narrow 1-0 victory at Don Valley Stadium.
The Millers went behind in the second half to a Richard Logan header, and then had Dale Tonge sent off for a professional foul in the penalty area. Stuart Fleetwood had the resulting penalty saved by Andy Warrington but the Grecians held on for the victory.
Rotherham made the better start to the game and with five minutes on the clock a cross by Ryan Taylor to the far post caused panic in the Exeter defence, but Reuben Reid skied his effort from a tight angle.
The Millers came agonizingly close to going in front on 13 minutes when Drewe Broughton bustled his way clear, but after lifting the ball over the 'keeper he was denied on the goal-line by Troy Archibald-Henville.
On 25 minutes a dangerous cross by Liam Sercombe picked out Captain Matt Taylor but his header lacked power and placement, which resulted in a comfortable save for Warrington.
A minute later Stuart Fleetwood played a neat one- two to move in on goal but he hammered his shot over on the angle from just inside the area.
Exeter missed a half chance on 37 minutes when Dean Moxey tried a snap shot from a tight angle but Warrington was behind the ball and made the save.
The Millers came closest to scoring when Jamie Green danced down the left wing and his cross almost caught out Grecians 'keeper Paul Jones, who tipped the ball against the crossbar and over.
Half time
Rotherham United 0 v 0 Exeter City
Green weaved his way into the penalty area on 55 minutes and after jinking past two Exeter defenders he fired a curling shot just over the bar.
The Millers came close again in the 58th minutes when Reid's shot deflected into the path of Ryan Taylor but before he could shoot, he was smothered by Jones.
Exeter sub Craig McAllister missed a glorious chance for the visitors in 69th minute when Matt Gill made progress down the right. He crossed to find McAllister in the area but his firm header was straight at Warrington.
A minute later and Exeter took a vital lead. Veteran Rob Edwards crossed deep to the back post where sub Logan looped a header beyond Warrington, and sent the away fans into raptures.
The Millers were then dealt a further blow when Tonge brought down McAllister when through on goal. Tonge was promptly dismissed but Fleetwood was then denied from 12 yards after a save by Warrington.
Fleetwood showed great pace to glide past Ian Sharps on 77 minutes but when he crossed perfectly for Ryan Harley the midfielder side footed tamely wide.
The Millers piled on the pressure in the final few minutes but Exeter held on to secure their elevation to League One
Full time
Rotherham United 0 v 1 Exeter City
Rotherham: Warrington; Tonge, Sharps, Fenton, Green, Mills, Harrison, Hudson (J.Taylor 71), Reid (Brogan 85), R. Taylor, Broughton (Burchill 72).
Subs not used: Cann, Holmes.
Exeter: Jones; Tully, Taylor, Archibald-Henville, Sercombe (Logan 61), Harley, Cozic (McAllister 61), Moxey, Edwards, Gill, Fleetwood (Basham 85).
Subs not used: Marriott, Seabourne.
