Exeter City fell to a 2-0 defeat to Port Vale at St James Park in EFL Sky Bet League One.
The damage was done in the first half with an early goal from Ruari Paton and Devante Cole's cool finish on the stroke of half time.
Manager Gary Caldwell made one change from Saturday’s narrow 1-0 defeat at Rotherham United as Sonny Cox came into the side in place of Jayden Wareham. Reece Cole made a return to the bench after injury.
First half
City got the game underway, attacking towards the away end, and immediately pushed onto the front foot. Sonny Cox won a dangerous free-kick out wide, with Danny Andrew whipping in a low delivery that was well dealt with by the visiting defence.
The deadlock was broken just four minutes in. A heavy touch at the back gifted Ruari Paton possession inside the City box, and the striker made no mistake, drilling a low finish into the bottom corner.
City were then forced into an early setback when Jack Aitchison, struggling after a knock, was unable to continue and made way for Ed Francis.
In a cagey first half with few clear openings, City looked to be patient in their build-up, probing the flanks and sending a series of long balls forward, but they struggled to unlock a disciplined Vale backline.
Their first real sight of goal came on the half-hour mark. Ethan Brierley and Jake Doyle-Hayes combined neatly, slipping the latter into space inside the box, but his low effort was smartly blocked by Gauci in the Vale goal.
Just minutes later, City pressed forward again. A long clearance from Whitworth bounced awkwardly into Magennis’ path. He cut inside before laying the ball to Niskanen on the edge of the area, but the winger’s first-time strike flew over the bar.
City’s task grew even tougher on the stroke of half-time. Paton turned provider, sliding Devante Cole in behind the defence. The forward timed his run to perfection, broke clear of the offside trap, and slotted past Whitworth with another composed low finish to double the visitors’ advantage.
Second half
The Grecians came out after the break with renewed intent, pushing to find a way back into the contest. Jack McMillan found space inside the area, skipped forward and drilled in a low cross that was turned narrowly wide by a City player.
Moments later, Ed Francis tried his luck from distance with a powerful 25-yard strike, forcing Gauci into a strong save to his right. From the resulting corner, City were unable to carve out a clear opening.
Just before the hour mark, City pieced together their best move of the game. Jake Doyle-Hayes slipped a clever ball into Magennis, who turned sharply in the box and drove towards goal, only to see his angled strike blocked by Gauci. The rebound fell to Sonny Cox, who drove inside and unleashed a curling effort destined for the top corner, but once again the Villa loanee produced an excellent save to deny City.
The pressure continued to mount, and City came agonisingly close to halving the deficit. Magennis’ deft flick sent Niskanen racing through on goal, but after composing himself the winger dragged his shot just wide of the far post.
In added time Magennis had a quick chance just inside the area but he couldn't keep his shot down. The whistle went and the visitors. left with the three points.
The Grecians are quickly back in action at the Park, as attentions turn to the Vertu Trophy on Tuesday night as Cardiff City make the trip for a 7pm kick-off. Click here for tickets.
Exeter City XI: Whitworth; Niskanen, Turns (Wilson 83'), Fitzwater, McMillan, Andrew; Doyle-Hayes (Cole 70’), Brierley, Aitchison (Francis 10’), Cox (Wareham 70’), Magennis (C).
Subs not used: Bycroft (GK), Oakes, Woodhouse
Yellow: Doyle Hayes 55’
Port Vale XI: Gauci, Heneghan (Debrah 70’), Hall, Bryers, Garrity (C) (Ojo 76’), Gordon, Paton, Croasdale, John, Humphreys, Cole (Curtis 76’).
Subs not used: Marosi (GK), Lawrence-Gabriel, Curtis, Faal
Yellow: Humpfreys 11’
Goals: Paton 4’, Cole 45’
Attendance: 6221 (460 away)