A Grecians side were beaten 2-0 by a well drilled and organised AFC Bournemouth at the Cliff Hill Training Ground on Tuesday afternoon.
City had an early goal ruled out for offside in the opening period, before the Championship side scored in either half to secure victory.
It was Padraig Amond who leapt highest to head home Jack Sparkes' free kick after six minutes, but the Irishman was denied his name on the scoresheet by the linesman's flag.
Bournemouth then had their first chance when a corner was played into the danger area, but Harry Lee was alert to hold a strong header. However it wasn't long before the visitors took the lead.
Aaron Roberts was the player to steer the ball home, diverting a deflected cross in at the back post following a Cherries counter attack. Just moments it later it could have been two, but Dan Adjei fired over from close range.
Owura Edwards looked lively for the Grecians with most of the player coming down his left side, and all it would have taken was a City touch to his ball across the face of goal to level, but the Championship leaders hooked the ball clear.
After the break Harry Kite could have levelled within minutes of the restart as he connected to Edwards' cross from the left, but his effort from the edge of the box flew just over the bar. It wasn't long before Bournemouth grew into the second half, though, and they eventually made their dominance pay.
After Nathan Moriah-Welsh grazed the post, a dangerous cross caused problems for the City defence and the ball went past Lee via the boot of Jordan Dyer. The defender slid into clear, and was unfortunate to see his efforts double the visitors lead.
Despite a couple of late chances, the Grecians could not find a consolation goal.