York City's play-off hopes ended with an extremely disappointing showing against Exeter.
The visitors, who were fighting for their third division survival, were full value for their 2-0 victory with goals from Steve Flack and James Coppinger.
Exeter made a perfect start going ahead on five minutes. Justin Walker's free-kick from the right was headed home into the top corner from ten yards by Flack.
Flack's aerial dominance helped to set up Sean Devine moments later but his effort flashed over the bar.
York City, aided by a strong wind, created problems of their own with keeper Michael Ingham’s long goal kicks. From one, Jon Parkin challenged keeper Kevin Miller on his goal line but the keeper held firm.
Lee Bullock, playing in an advanced role, broke free before being brought down by defender Santos Gaia who was fortunate to escape with only a yellow card.
From the resulting free-kick Graham Potter's curling effort brought a fine save from Miller.
In an exciting end-to-end opening half the visitors had chances to increase their lead. Devine shot over on the turn before Coppinger beat the offside trap and was clean through. However, with only the keeper to beat Potter raced back to make a vital tackle.
City ended the half strongly with Lee Nogan’s shot on the turn saved and defender Scott Jones’ 30-yard screamer bringing a flying save from Miller.
Parkin was desperately unlucky when he lobbed Miller from 20 yards only to see his effort strike the bar and Nogan thumped the rebound wide.
York offered no hope of a fightback after the break as they failed to create a single chance against a solid Exeter defence.
At the other end, Coppinger ran at the City defence and his run was halted by Gary Hobson 20 yards out but Walker flashed the free-kick narrowly wide.
Exeter secured three vital three points on 56 minutes when Flack's header found Devine and although his shot struck the bar, Coppinger was on hand to volley home the rebound from ten yards.
The victory keeps alive Exeter's hopes of survival while York’s play-off dreams are dashed for another season.