Exterminated!

City were rewarded for their efforts in the 26th minute when a left-wing David Beresford cross was flicked on to the backpost for Julian Johnsson to volley home in front of the South Stand.

Minutes later there was a scare as a route one ball caused some uncertainty between Justin Whittle and Paul Musselwhite who clattered into each other, but Mike Edwards was able to clear.

David Beresford had a couple of efforts on goal before City went in for half time to huge applause.

Mike Edwards had two good efforts on goal from distance in the opening minutes of the second half but was just denied on each occasion.

City lost captain Justin Whittle due to a hamstring injury after an hour. He limped off and was replaced by Nicky Mohan.

Gary Alexander - sealed win

In the 68th minute Gary Alexander found the net to end his goal drought. Ryan Williams crossed from the right and Alexander squeezed a header past Grecians keeper Frasier. That was his 20th of the season, coming against his former club.

Lawrie Dudfield came close to adding a third when he was played through on goal. He hit his shot straight at the keeper, and his lobbed rebound looked to have been handled onto the bar by the covering Exeter defender but the referee gave a goal kick.

Alexander was denied a penalty soon after, just one of many times during the match that City fans were looking to the referee to point to the spot, but nothing was given.

However it didn't matter as the Tigers recorded their first win since early December.

Due to other results we have only moved up one place to 5th, and are still three points behind Mansfield in 3rd place who have also played a game less than us. Shrewsbury are two points ahead of us in 4th having beaten league-leaders Plymouth today. Rochdale are level with us and have played a game less.

Starting line-up (4-4-2): Musselwhite; Edwards, Whittle (Mohan), Wicks, Holt; Williams, Johnsson, Greaves, Beresford; Dudfield, Alexander.
Un-used subs: Glennon, Sneekes, Whitmore, Rowe.