EXETER produced a finishing masterclass to make it back to Wembley – and heap fresh play-off misery on Lincoln.
Jayden Stockley volleyed the Grecians in front on 27 minutes with his 25th goal of the season.
Hiram Boateng let rip from 25 yards two minutes after the break to put Exeter in command.
But Ryan Harley saved the best to last as he drilled a 30-yard blockbuster past Ryan Allsop to seal the win.
It meant Imps have suffered six straight play-off defeats.
Exeter lost to Blackpool in the play-off final last year.
But they will have the chance to banish that heartbreak when they face Notts County or Coventry on May 28.
Exeter’s win continued the trend of teams one place outside the automatic promotion spots making it through to Wembley.
Grecians midfielder Ryan Harley pulled the string in the opening exchanges as the home side made a swift start.
Stockley’s knock-down teed up Harley and the playmaker scuffed an effort wide.
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In the eighth minute Boateng picked out Harley but the former Brighton man sent a rising drive over the crossbar.
Yet the pressure continued to mount and Robbie Simpson was inches away from the opener after prodding wide from close-range.
Allsop was called into action for the first time in the 18th minute when he made a comfortable save to deny Harley.
Moments later the stopper came to the rescue, shovelling Jordan Storey’s header around the post.
But Exeter’s dominance paid off thanks to a smart finish by Stockley.
Lincoln failed to clear an Exeter corner and Pierce Sweeney’s header picked out Stockley and he buried a volley into the bottom corner.
Lincoln thought they had equalised in the 40th minute through Elliott Whitehouse but the goal was ruled out for handball by Matt Rhead.
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Boateng doubled Exeter’s lead after picking up possession on half-way before ending a powerful run with a stunning finish.
Lincoln’s hopes of a fightback were dashed when Harley smashed home a 30-yard screamer.
Matt Green pulled a goal back in the 78th minute but it proved to be only a consolation effort.
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