Exeter dropped into even deeper relegation danger despite a spirited performance against promotion-chasing Bury.
Two first half goals, from Chris Billy and Jon Newby, were enough to give Bury all three points despite Exeter's second half fight back which saw Steve Flack net for the Grecians.
Exeter goalkeeper Kevin Miller made the first of a string of fine saves in the first minute when he kept out Jon Newby's shot after Chris Todd's poor back pass.
City's best early chance came when Sean Devine met James Coppinger's fine cross, his header flying just past the post.
The Shakers took the lead mid-way through the half. Newby's cross alluded everyone in the box until Billy tapped the ball home from close range at the far post.
Five minutes later Newby made it two when he shook off the attentions of Graeme Power and calmly slotted the ball under Miller.
Further heroics from Miller kept the scoreline down. He stretched out a hand to keep out a header from Daniel Swales following Lee Connell's corner, then spread himself superbly to turn a fierce shot from Swales around the post.
Exeter pulled a goal back six minutes after the restart. Andy Roscoe's free kick was flicked on by Chris Todd and Flack tapped the ball home from close range.
Exeter pushed forward and Glyn Garner saved well to deny James Coppinger and Andy Roscoe.
Chances flowed at both ends in the second half. Miller saved well to deny Colin Cramb while Garner's double save denied first Devine then Roscoe.
Exeter enjoyed the better of the possession in the second period but were unable to force an equaliser.
Exeter boss Gary Peters said: "We were poor in the first half but after the break we showed a lot of spirit and that is that we have got to take out of the game."