'I am massively proud of what we have achieved, the club has a huge place in my heart and I am so glad with how it has panned out.'
The honest thoughts of Lowestoft Town captain Travis Cole who, despite defeat in the final home match of the season to Tonbridge Angels, already knew the Trawlerboys had secured their league safety.
A late strike from Tashi-Jay Kwayie was enough to claim victory for the visitors in the game.
The goal, two minutes from time, was a massive blow for the home side, who had got back into the game through Shaun Bammant, after falling behind through a goal from Alex Akrofi.
'It was a bit of a wounder, we didn't start the game as strongly as we would have wanted,' said Cole, who was named supporters' player of the year before the match.
'We don't want to see any football club deteriorate in the way it has, so for me being a local lad, I am so glad that we have survived.'
Home manager Dale Brooks made the one change from the last match, as Ollie Humphrey replaced Robert Eagle - who was recalled by Leiston after his short loan spell.
The game soon sparked into life with Renei Batlokwa forcing keeper Henly into a brilliant stop after three minutes.
Ten minutes later, Harvey Hodd's cross come shot, crashed back off the crossbar - with the visiting keeper stranded.
The visitors should have taken the lead on 37 minutes as Alex Akrofi, shot over the bar from three yards out - after being set up by Kwayie.
The dangerous striker made amends just seconds later. A free-kick from Joe Turner was headed home by the striker for his 20th goal of the season.
After the restart, it was the Angels who nearly extended their lead.
Kwayie stung the hands of Putnins, before Turner curled over the bar when well placed.
On 68 minutes, Lowestoft did claim the all important equaliser. After Jacek Zielonka was fouled on the edge of the box, Adam Smith's free-kick was met by Bammant, who finished well from inside the penalty area.
Lowestoft then had a couple more chances to seize the initiative. Shaun Bammant shot over before Armani Schaar did the same, when both were well placed.
But they were hit with a sucker punch just two minutes from time. A cross into the box was headed down by substitute Nathan Elder and finished off by Tashi-Jay Kwayie to break Lowestoft hearts.
Lowestoft Town: Putnins, Zielonka, Humphrey (Youngman 89), Fisk, Cole, McAuley, Hodd, Smith, Schaar, Batlokwa (Machaya 87), Bammant. Subs not used: Wren, Langdale, Leslie.
Tonbridge Angels: Henly, Smith, Osbourne, Parkinson (Whitnell 64), Miles, Adonis-Taylor, Bantick, Vidal (Welsh 86), Kwayie, Akrofi, Turner (Elder 77). Sub not used: Copeland
Referee: Chris Reeson
Attendance: 512
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