Neil Saunders sealed a dramatic comeback for Exeter as they overcame 3-2 Aldershot 3-2 at St James Park.
Exeter prevail in five-goal thriller
Neil Saunders sealed a dramatic comeback for Exeter by curling home a brilliant free kick to seal a 3-2 victory against old foes Aldershot at St James' Park.
Marcus Stewart had put Exeter in front when Steve Tully's long ball was headed down by Richard Logan to Adam Stansfield.
He laid the ball off perfectly for Stewart to place the ball past Aldershot goalkeeper Alex McCarthy.
However, Aldershot started the second half with purpose and after Logan had missed a glorious chance to put Exeter 2-0 up, they equalised.
Marvin Morgan fed Jake Robinson and the on-loan Brighton striker capped his first start for the Shots with a good finish.
Ben Harding then smashed Aldershot in front with a fine effort from 20 yards, but the midfielder turned from hero to villain as he then inexplicably headed a long Matt Gill throw over the stranded McCarthy and into his own net.
Both sides went all out for a winner, but it was Exeter that got it with ten minutes remaining.
They were awarded a free-kick on the edge of the penalty box and Saunders curled a fine shot with his right foot into the top corner.
Aldershot had enough time to press for an equaliser and came close when Harding's shot took a wicked deflection, but Exeter goalkeeper Paul Jones pulled off a brilliant save to push the ball behind for a corner.
