Exeter avoided a potential upset against Halifax with a 2-0 victory to progress into the second round of the FA Cup.
Goals from Daniel Andrew and Jayden Wareham were enough to secure the win for Gary Caldwell’s side.
The League One outfit made an excellent start as Reece Cole’s sublime delivery from a corner was met by an unmarked Andrew to hit a sweet first-time volley into the back of the net.
Halifax eventually grew into the game and could have levelled after 38 minutes, but Will Harris’ shot in the penalty area was saved by Exeter keeper Joe Whitworth.
But the Grecians punished more sloppy defending from the National League outfit to double their lead just before the break.
A loose ball from Jevon Mills eventually led to Ethan Brierley’s shot being parried away by Sam Johnson, but only into the path of Wareham to fire home into an empty net.
The Shaymen came out swinging early in the second half, Jamie Cooke’s low-drilled effort striking the outside of a post.
On the hour mark, Bray cut inside and unleashed a fine strike which had to be tipped over by Whitworth.
Substitute Owen Devonport thought he had grabbed a consolation for Halifax just before added time, but his header was ruled out for offside.
