EXETER manager Gary Peters and his players are facing up to life in the Nationwide Conference - and he admitted their late rally in the last couple of months had been too little, too late.

The Grecians beat Southend 1-0 with Steve Flack scoring the only goal in the 90th minute but it was a hollow victory.

Swansea had already won their match against Hull 4-2, meaning there was nothing Exeter could do to avoid the drop to the lower level for their centenary season, despite ending the season with three straight wins.

Peters said: "In the last 13 games the lads have been magnificent.

"Unfortunately before that they did not do so well and they are paying for that."

Exeter goalkeeper Kevin Miller, who saved a sixth-minute penalty from Tesfaye Bramble, said: "We did all we could today and that was to win the game. I feel sick at what has happened. We are devastated."

The mood was one of celebration in Swansea, particularly for local favourite James Thomas, who scored a hat-trick to help keep the Swans in the League.

He said: "It was the most important game of my career and to score a hat-trick is just unbelievable."

Director of football Brian Flynn added: "It was a terrific hat-trick by a local boy."

Rushden & Diamonds secured the Division Three title with a 1-1 draw against second-placed Hartlepool.

Mike Newell's side knew they needed a win to overturn the Diamonds' two-point lead at the top but Paul Hall gave the home side a 29th-minute lead. Chris Westwood equalised for Pools in the 90th minute to set up a frantic injury time period, but Brian Talbot's side got the point they needed.

He said: "I keep asking myself if it's a dream, and is it true, but I'm absolutely delighted with winning the championship. Today is all about creating a bit more history for the club."

The play-off picture in Division Three is also clear now.

Fourth-placed Bournemouth face Bury while Lincoln meet Scunthorpe in a local derby.

The first-leg ties will be played on either May 10 or 11, with the return legs on May 13 or 14.

Updated: 11:01 Monday, May 05, 2003