It took a special goal to beat a Northwich side reduced to ten men after only nine minutes.
Exeter full-back Scott Hiley was the hero after his forwards and midfielders had missed - and went on to miss - a string of chances.
Vics were at a disadvantage from the moment Andy Ralph, rushing out to tidy up a City attack was wrong footed by Paul O'Neill's attempts to head the ball back to him.
Ralph's momentum carried him outside the area and he instinctively threw up a hand to block the ball. Referee Dave Foster issued an instant red card.
Vics withdrew striker Mark Quayle to bring on substitute goalkeeper Ben Connett, who made an immediate save from Sean Devine's free-kick and went on to make several outstanding stops.
Exeter were shocked when Northwich had the temerity to take the lead. In the 18th minute Richard Forsyth's forward ball skimmed off the head of Santos Gaia and fell for Paul Brayson, who beat James Bittner with a left-foot shot and the aid of a post.
Connett saved well from Alex Jeannin and Devine before being eventually beaten in the 43rd minute. He may even have been at fault when Jeannin's corner deflected off his fingers and dropped among a melee of players for Gaia to force home.
Hiley set up Exeter's victory in 54 minutes taking everyone by surprise when he unleashed a venomous daisy cutter from more than 30 yards that gave Connett no chance.
While Northwich did not look like equalising Exeter struggled when trying to add to their tally.
Numerous shorts flew over and wide and those on target, notably from Glenn Cronin and Devine, were equalled by Connett, while Les Afful missed a sitter.
In the end, however, it did not mater. Exeter had the points and Northwich kept their pride.