Torquay secured automatic promotion on goal difference with a nailbiting victory at Southend. Torquay defender Steve Woods volleyed in from Alex Russell's third-minute corner to put United ahead.
David Graham extended the lead with his 23rd goal of the season by stooping to head in a Jo Kuffour cross.
Southend hit back in the 17th minute when Lawrie Dudfield struck after Tes Bramble's effort came off the chest of goalkeeper Arjan Van Heusden.
Torquay were forced to soak up enormous pressure but they dealt adequately with everything Southend could throw at them to finally clinch their first automatic promotion for 38 years.
The Gulls finished in third place after Huddersfield could only draw against 10-man Cheltenham at Whaddon Road.
Southend: Flahavan, Jupp, Cort, Hunt, Nicolau, Constantine, Maher, Bentley, Wilson, Bramble, Dudfield. Subs: Stuart, Broughton, Corbett, Jenkins, Husbands.
Torquay: Van Heusden, Hazell, Woods, Taylor, McGlinchey, Rosenior, Hockley, Russell, Hill, Graham, Kuffour. Subs: Fowler, Gritton, Woozley, Canoville, Bedeau.
Referee: A Leake
