Exeter City moved out of the relegation zone and in doing so left Carlisle United six points from safety after beating the Cumbrians 2-1 in Devon.
It was on the home side’s second win in 15 games and their two goals only took them to eight at St. James’ Park this season.
Luke Harris had been signed on loan from Fulham to give them more bite in front of goal and he was close to opening his account in the first five minutes.
However, a low key first-half which reflected the two sides League positions, saw Exeter create the best chance to break the deadlock.
Josh Emmanuel was left with only Vili Sinisalo to beat but wing-back Zak Jules got back really well to make a crucial goal-saving challenge.
However, it was Exeter who took the lead on 57 minutes. They had started to dominate the game and when a Harris cross was only half cleared Reece Cole was following-up to drive home from 12 yards.
They continued to push for a second, with Carlisle unable to offer a serious threat themselves and on 77 minutes it arrived. A shot from Jack Aitchison across Gabe Breeze came back off the foot of the post and Sonny Cox was quickest to react and fire in the second goal.
It proved crucial for Exeter as Carlisle staged something of a big finish. Luke Armstrong hit the post from close range on his debut and then Dan Butterworth, a 62nd minute substitute, drilled home a low shot from 20 yards through a crowded penalty area to raise Cumbrian hopes.
It came four minutes from the end of normal time but despite nine minutes of added time, Carlisle couldn’t find a way through to rescue a point.
