A wonder strike by Dwane Lee on his debut was enough to give Exeter a 1-0 victory over Stevenage in an otherwise scrappy encounter It was the perfect finish to a week that saw the supporters trust take control of the Grecians and herald a new era at St James's Park.
Former Yeading midfielder Lee had only been on the pitch for 10 minutes when he thumped an unstoppable shot from 25 yards into the top corner.
Stevenage looked composed in the early stages and had the first attempt at goal on 15 minutes when Dino Maamria's fine cross was headed narrowly wide by Danny Carroll.
Jamie Cook struck a shot into the arms of James Bittner as the visitors pressed and began to dominate the early part of the game.
Stevenage again went close when Anthony Elding connected with Cook's cross and his header was turned past the post by Bittner.
Steve Flack had a rare shot on goal for Exeter when he volleyed Scott Hiley's low cross just past the post before Maamria struck Peter Costello's cross narrowly wide for Stevenage.
In first half injury time Stevenage were reduced to ten men. Steve Watson, who had earlier been booked for dissent, picked up his second yellow card for a rash challenge on James Coppinger.
After the break Stevenage should have gone ahead when substitute Rocky Baptiste was put clean through but his shot was well saved by Bittner.
Coppinger had a shot saved by Abbey as Exeter attempted to make the extra man count.
On the hour mark Exeter welcomed Sean Devine back from injury for his first appearance of the season.
But the game was won by Lee with a moment of magic in the 82nd minute.
There seemed little danger when he controlled a loose ball 30 yards from goal but he ran on and struck an unstoppable shot past Abbey.