The stands were still full after the final whistle. Nottingham Forest made their way around a packed City Ground at the end. Nobody left.
Head coach Steve Cooper was keen to point out it was not a lap of honour. It was a lap of appreciation - and that worked both ways.
For the players, it was an acknowledgement of tremendous support throughout this season. For the fans, it was saluting a team who have given them something to believe in and to be proud of again. And who could yet achieve something really, really special.
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That the Reds do not yet know whether they have played their last home game of 2021/22 is testament to the incredible journey they have been on. Automatic promotion is still a real possibility.
There's no getting away from how big a game it is against Bournemouth on Tuesday night, though. It's huge.
A win for the hosts and they would clinch second spot. Victory for the Reds, or even a draw, would take it to the last day - if anyone still has any nails left by then. Those of a nervous disposition might want to find a cushion to hide behind.
Forest remain three points behind the Cherries, who won 3-0 at Blackburn Rovers. It could all come down to goal difference. Sam Surridge’s hat-trick and Alex Mighten’s late goal to see off Swansea City 5-1 could prove crucial. It could have been more, too.
Amid an electric atmosphere, the Reds blew their visitors away in the second half on the banks of the Trent. Surridge was unstoppable. Just when a few worries had started to creep in that missed chances might lead to a frustrating afternoon, the January signing bagged a magnificent treble.
Going to the Vitality Stadium won’t be easy. But Forest go into the game with confidence sky high, in great form and full of belief. Hold on to your hats.
