Leyton Orient were left still seeking their first home league win of the season after Exeter held on for a 1-0 win at Brisbane Road.
Amani Richards fired the visitors ahead five minutes before half-time in the League One encounter.
The Grecians had substitute Caleb Watts sent off deep into stoppage time for a late tackle but they managed to complete their fourth clean sheet in their last five league matches.
Richards provided the match-winning moment in the 40th minute. Josh Magennis sent a cross into the six-yard box where the unmarked Richards put the Grecians ahead with the simplest of finishes.
The hosts should have levelled two minutes later when they found themselves with a three-on-one situation. Dan Agyei played the ball into the feet of Jack Currie but the full-back’s poor touch saw the chance go begging.
Despite the better chances after the break, Orient found visiting goalkeeper Joe Whitworth in excellent form as he pulled off superb saves to deny Brandon Cooper and Charlie Kelman Paul Hiscock.
