Exeter moved out of the relegation zone with a hard-fought 2-1 victory at home to mid-table Walsall.
Harley on form in 2-1 win over Walsall
Exeter moved out of the relegation zone with a hard-fought 2-1 victory at home to mid-table Walsall.
The Grecians scored with their first attack after four minutes when they won a corner and from Ryan Harley's delivery, Matt Taylor ghosted in at the back post to head past goalkeeper Rene Gilmartin.
The Saddlers then enjoyed the majority of possession but rarely troubled Exeter goalkeeper Paul Jones. The closest they came was when Troy Deeney's bicycle kick was headed over his own goal by Exeter captain Taylor.
Harley should have made it 2-0 on the stroke of half-time when he latched onto Richard Duffy's long ball but after rounding the goalkeeper, his tame shot was straight at the back-tracking Mannie Smith.
The midfielder made amends in the 58th minute when he sent Gilmartin the wrong way from the penalty spot after Barry Corr was adjudged to have been brought down.
Walsall reduced the arrears four minutes later when a long throw found its way to Julian Gray at the back post and he side-footed into the corner. They then pressed for the equaliser but Exeter held firm.
