Ryan Lowe appears in the crowd as Exeter City book place in League Two play-off

A cut-out of Plymouth Argyle manager Ryan Lowe was seen in the stands at St James Park. Credit: Exeter City

Plymouth Argyle manager Ryan Lowe was a face in the crowd as Devon rivals Exeter City booked their place in the League Two play-off final.

A cut-out picture of the Pilgrims boss was displayed in the stands at St James Park during the Grecians’ second-leg of their semi-final against Colchester United on Monday (22 June) night.

City won the home tie 3-1, and 3-2 on aggregate, meaning they will now face Northampton Town at Wembley next week.

Exeter City manager Matt Taylor celebrates with his players after they booked their place in the League Two play-off final. Credit: PA

With the game played behind closed doors due to the coronavirus pandemic, Exeter launched their ‘Grecian in the Ground’ campaign - inviting fans to have their picture put on a cut-out in the stands.

Nearly 1,300 people submitted their pictures, raising some much-needed revenue for the club.

Nearly 1,300 Exeter City fans paid to have their pictures used on giant cut-outs, which were displayed in the stands. Credit: PA

They included Argyle fan Andy Davies, who cheekily paid for a cut-out picture of Lowe to be put on display.

Exeter staff responded to that by placing a City scarf around the imitation Lowe.

The cut-outs are made from polypropylene and are completely recyclable, while the material is toxin-free so it will not leach chemicals into the surrounding environment.

Exeter trailed 1-0 to Colchester after the first leg last Thursday but opened the scoring in the 10th minute of the second leg with a goal from defender Aaron Martin.

Jayden Richardson put City ahead on aggregate shortly before the hour mark before Courtney Senior replied for the Essex visitors.

Exeter City's Matt Jay pictured holding two of the fans' cut-outs. Credit: PA

That sent the semi-final into extra-time and striker Ryan Bowman came up with the decisive goal in the 111th minute.

It is the third time in the last four years that City have reached the League Two Play-Off Final.

Cheltenham Town, meanwhile, squandered their chance of meeting Exeter in the final after losing their second-leg tie 3-0 to Northampton Town.