A goal in each half was enough to secure the points for Exeter City against Stevenage Borough.
The Grecians created plenty of chances and could have won more comfortably with better finishing.
City boss Eamonn Dolan received a rousing reception from the fans at the start of the game amid continuing speculation linking him to a move to take over the youth team set-up at Reading.
Exeter started brightly and Andy Taylor had a shot deflected just past the post in the second minute.
Jake Edwards then shot straight into the arms of the goalkeeper and Chris Todd shot just wide from ten yards out.
The Grecians went ahead in the 14th minute. Les Afful was brought down near the corner flag and when Dean Moxey whipped in a fine free-kick Santos Gaia headed powerfully into the back of the net from six yards.
Exeter could have stretched the lead when Afful had a shot well saved and Edwards had a goal disallowed after a foul on the goalkeeper.
Stevenage attempted to respond and Dino Maamria's header from Jon Brady's free-kick as well saved by Martin Rice. Dannie Bulman then tested Rice with a long-range free-kick which flew into the arms of the goalkeeper.
After the break Brady's long ball picked out Jon Nurse who skipped into the box and struck a low shot which was well saved by Rice.
Stevenage again went close to an equaliser when Michael Brough's low shot was well saved by Rice and the ball was scrambled away as Joe Flack prepared to pounce.
But Exeter put the game beyond Stevenage just after the hour mark. Dean Moxey's corner was well met by substitute Steve Flack and his glancing header flew into the net.
Stevenage rallied at the end of the game, but it came too late and Exeter held on for a deserved win.