Exeter City's new boss Alex Inglethorpe made the perfect start as Exeter produced their best performance of the season to beat high-flying Aldershot.
Sean Devine opened the scoring for the Grecians with a fine strike and Andy Taylor stretched the lead just before half-time.
Two minutes after the break the result was put beyond any doubt two minutes after the restart when Santos Gaia headed home powerfully from close range.
Aldershot created plenty of chances and could have got back into the game with better finishing.
Tim Sills did pull a goal back for the Shots but it proved to be little more than a consolation.
Aldershot started brightly. Adam Miller curled a free-kick inches over the bar from 25 yards but it was Exeter who took the lead with their first attempt on goal in the 17th minute.
Taylor poked a ball forward and Devine found a bit of space inside the box. He looked up and drilled the ball superbly into the bottom corner.
Aldershot created plenty of chances and Hugh McAuley dragged a shot past the post, but it was Exeter who stretched the scoreline just before half-time.
Alex Jeannin's deep cross was met by Taylor who took a touch before lashing the ball into the top corner.
They stretched the lead further three minutes after the restart. Taylor's corner was met by Gaia and his powerful header flew into the back of the net.
Despite the scoreline Aldershot continued to look dangerous and pulled a goal back midway through the half.
Substitute Nick Crittenden accelerated down the right flank and his fine cross picked out Sills who headed home at close range.
Aldershot continued to press forward and both Sills and Darren Barnard failed to find the net with shots inside the box.
But there was no way through and Aldershot were reduced to ten men in the closing minutes when Aaron McLean picked up his second yellow card.