In a gripping game Forest Green Rovers were narrowly edged out by Exeter City.
In a much improved performance, it was the home side that took the lead after 14 minutes. Scott Hiley's clearance was well blocked by Mark Beesley and Richard Hodgson raced on to the lose ball before firing beneath keeper Martin Rice.
The lead barely lasted four minutes, Dean Moxey's inswinging free-kick found Santos Gaia and his header flew just into the right hand corner of the net.
The visitors continued to dominate and went in front after 22 minutes. Steve Flack's cross fell to Barry McConnell whose thumping header crashed against Rovers crossbar, but Sean Devine was on hand to head the rebound over the line.
Rovers came inches away from levelling 15 minutes from half-time when after good play down the right-hand side Stuart Roberts' cross into the box found Jon Holloway unmarked at the back post, but his close-range header was superbly palmed against the crossbar by Rice.
Deservedly Forest Green did get back on level terms 13 minutes into the second half when Gaia was alleged to have brought down Charlie Griffin in the penalty box and it was Griffin himself that stroked the ball into the right hand corner.
Exeter though were back in front less than two minutes later when Moxey's long throw was flicked on by Flack and McConnell headed the ball in from close range.