Jack McMillan was the unlikely hero as his late goal earned Exeter a much-needed 1-0 League One win against AFC Wimbledon at St James Park.
Exeter started with purpose and Akeel Higgins screwed a shot wide, but apart from that, the first half was devoid of any chances for either side with defences firmly on top.
The second half continued in much the same vein with goalkeepers virtually redundant until the 67th minute when a Wimbledon counter-attack finished with Omar Bugiel firing straight at Joe Whitworth when through on goal.
Joe Lewis drilled a shot wide from close range as the Dons started to look a little more threatening, but it was Exeter who broke the deadlock with the only goal of the game in the 81st minute.
Ilmari Niskanen did well down the right and his low cross picked out right-back McMillan whose shot from 18 yards squirmed under goalkeeper Nathan Bishop and into the net.
It was a scrappy goal to settle a game lacking in quality, but a big win for Exeter keeps them out of the bottom four.
