Exeter City 2-0 Port Vale: Sky Bet League 2 side spring surprise

Sunday 6 December 2015 16:43, UK

Exeter are through to the third round of the FA Cup for the first time in 11 years as they deservedly beat Sky Bet League 1 side Port Vale 2-0 at St James' Park.

The Grecians made a superb start to the game and created several chances, but it was not until the 20th minute that they got the goal their dominance deserved.

Lee Holmes swung a corner to the back post where Jordan Tillson arrived unmarked to head down and the ball went through the legs of a defender on the line and into the net.

Joel Grant thought he had doubled Exeter's lead when he had the ball in the net only to be denied by a linesman's flag, while Ajay Leitch-Smith hit the crossbar with Vale's first noteworthy chance just before half-time.

The Grecians were good value for their lead and continued to dominate after the break. Jamie Reid curled a shot narrowly wide after a lovely passing move and Alex Nicholls headed just wide as the home side created a glut of chances.

Exeter finally wrapped up the win in the 89th minute when substitute Ollie Watkins latched onto Matt Oakley's pass to slip the ball under the keeper and into the net.