Teenager Matthew Lock put Exeter into the next round of the FA Cup with a late winner.
The youngster scored his first goal for the club in the dying minutes after the Conference side had dominated for long periods.
Forest Green Rovers should have been ahead in the sixth minute. Alex Meechan sprinted down the right flank and whipped in a dangerous low cross which striker Kayode Odejayi struck against the post from close range.
ExeterÂ’s best early chance came when Steve Flack found James Coppinger inside the box, but the youngster fired the ball high over the bar.
The visitors looked the better side for much of the first half and Meechan caused all sorts of problems on the right.
It came as no surprise when they took the lead in the 20th minute. Martin Foster crossed the ball from the left and former Exeter captain Jon Richardson converted.
Against the run of play Exeter equalised five minutes later. Scott HileyÂ’s cross was met by the unmarked Gareth Sheldon at the far post and he headed powerfully home.
Exeter could have taken the lead just before half time. HileyÂ’s cross was chested down by Flack and his quick shot just fell the wrong side of the post.
Exeter probed after the break and Andy Roscoe lashed a shot narrowly past the post. Roscoe then curled another long-range shot over the bar.
Odejayi had a penalty claim turned down as both sides chased the game in search of a winner.
Exeter grabbed victory with five minutes left when Sheldon cut the ball back to Lock and the youngster stroked it home from close range.
Rovers boss Colin Addison said: “I am absolutely delighted with my team’s performance and very proud of the boys. We more than matched Exeter.”