After leading Macclesfield Town into the Football League in 1997, the Northern Ireland international, achieved the same feat with Morecambe after a glorious goal from Danny Carlton settled the Conference play-off final at Wembley.
Lee Phillips had fired Exeter in front early in the first half, and City goalkeeper Paul Jones then made a string of fine saves - including a penalty - before Garry Thompson equalised ahead of the break.
But Carlton, a 23-year-old forward making his 199th appearance for the Shrimps, brought sunshine into Eric Morecambe land with a stunning 82nd minute winner.
The result was cruel on Exeter, who contributed to a match that was more entertaining than Chelsea`s FA Cup final win against Manchester United.
Morecambe goalkeeper Scott Davies' first task was to pick the ball out of the net after a lively start, in stark contrast to the caginess which marred the previous day's showpiece.
Wales
Former Wales defender Rob Edwards played a quick free-kick in to Jon Challiner, who reached the byline before picking out his striker partner Phillips for a simple close-range header in the eighth minute.
But Jones' best was a breathtaking double-save, diving to his right to keep out Curtis' penalty and recovering in time to deflect the striker's rebound inches wide of a post.
But the Shrimps drew level two minutes before the break when Thompson chased a long ball, out-muscled Billy Jones and curled the ball home.
But in the 82nd minute Carlton settled the game when he chased a long ball, beat Steve Tully and Edwards before scoring a superb 25-yard shot.
Exeter's Matt Gill was sent off in stoppage time for a headbutt on Craig Stanley.
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