Exeter held high-flying Carlisle to a goalless draw and created enough chances to have won the game.
Steve Perryman took temporary charge of the Grecians for the first time after Eamonn Dolan's departure and can be satisfied with the response of his players.
Carlisle started brightly and Paul Arnison headed Tom Cowan's fine cross into the arms of Martin Rice in the third minute.
Steve Flack had Exeter's best early chance when he rose well to meet Andy Taylor's corner but failed to guide his header on target.
Kevin Gray shot narrowly wide from 15 yards and Magno Vieira struck a long-range shot at Rice as the visitors threatened to open the scoring.
Chris Billy drilled a shot wide from the edge of the box but Carlisle were unable to force a way through.
Instead, Exeter grew in confidence. Alex Jeannin's free-kick was met by Steve Flack and his glancing header was scrambled off the line by Simon Grand.
Jake Edwards then struck a shot at the goalkeeper from ten yards as the Grecians began to get on top.
After the break Exeter started brightly and Les Afful skipped past two players before curling a fine shot just over the bar.
Flack went closest for Exeter in the 65th minute. He rose superbly to meet Andy Taylor's corner and his powerful header rebounded back off the post.
A minute later Taylor was again the provider when he floated in a free-kick from close to the corner flag and Santos Gaia headed the ball past the post.
Substitute Sean Devine went close for Exeter when he headed Jeannin's cross at goal but Cumbrians keeper Matt Glennon stuck out an arm and diverted the effort past the post.
With a minute left on the clock Jeannin came close to breaking the deadlock when his superb 25-yard strike flew inches over the bar.