Jefferson Louis' first-half goal gave Woking their third successive home win and banished thoughts of their defeat by local rivals Aldershot Town 48 hours earlier.
The win put a smile back on the face of Woking boss Glenn Cockerill who had to reshuffle because of injuries but still found the winning formula.
The home side took the initiative early on and went in front in the eighth minute through top scorer Louis.
Defender Nixon Ajoge just kept the ball in play on the right and forced a long ball over the top that dissected the Exeter defence. Louis ran clear and from a slight angle he smashed an unstoppable shot past keeper James Bittner to make in 1-0.
Moments later, Bittner did superbly to block at the feet of Amos Foyewa who had turned Glenn Cronin and burst into the area for a great one-on-one chance.
The Grecians started to play their way back into the match and came close when Martin Thomas fed the dangerous James Coppinger on the right before collecting the return - former Grecians keeper Ashley Bayes doing well to thwart the midfielder.
The visitors continued to press in an open contest without creating anything clear cut, while at the other end Scott Canham's fierce shot was held by Bittner while Louis skied a superb chance after Raphael Nade set him up.
Woking deservedly led at half time and the match continued in open and entertaining fashion in the second half.
There was little goalmouth activity to speak of in the opening exchanges after the break although Cards defender Jon Boardman did force Bittner into a save after getting on the end of a Canham free-kick.
Exeter came close to equalising with a Kwame Ampadu free-kick, which flashed across the goalmouth and past the post before Chris Todd headed over Coppinger's corner from six yards.
But it ended with another three points for the Cards who will now be looking to address their away form at Leigh RMI on Saturday.