Hoskins’ smart finish capped off an excellent move on 20 minutes before Brough rubber-stamped victory with a slick breakaway goal in stoppage-time. Town also defended excellently on their way to a third clean sheet of the season. Here are our player ratings from St James Park...
1. Lee Burge
Had hardly anything to do on his way to a first clean sheet of the season. Expertly protected by his defenders and all those in front of him - the only save he had to make was from 20 yards and it dribbled harmlessly into his gloves... 7.5 Photo: Pete Norton
2. Akin Odimayo
A touch fortunate when slow to react from an early cross but other than that he was almost flawless. His crunching tackle led to Town's opener and he also delivered a fantastic cross for Hoskins to go close in the second half... 8 Photo: Pete Norton
3. Sam Sherring
On it from the word go. Won three big headers in the first 10 minutes which set the platform for a resolute defensive display from all those in peppermint. Noticeable that he went more direct from the back and that proved a fruitful tactic... 8.5 Photo: Pete Norton
4. Jon Guthrie
A rock at the back as he so often is, really coming into his own in the second half. Relished - and won - the physical battle against Exeter's forward men as the visitors failed to create anything clear-cut throughout 100 plus minutes... 8 Photo: Pete Norton