Super sub Sonny Cox came off the bench to fire struggling Exeter to a 1-0 win at Shrewsbury.
The youngster, 21, bagged his first goal since August 2025 to secure back-to-back league wins for the first time since January for the Grecians.
George Lloyd's celebrations were cut short by the linesman's flag when he had his effort ruled out for offside on the half-hour for the hosts.
Visting goalkeeper Jack Bycroft then pulled off a super save to tip Josh Ruffels' strike over the crossbar.
After the break, Manchester City loanee Bycroft showed his worth once more to keep out Isaac Fletcher from close range.
Charlie Cummins went close at the other end when he nodded wide of the mark.
The game looked destined to end goalless when wing-back Arkell Jude-Boyd hit a post heading into the final 10 minutes.
Bycroft denied Lloyd once more late on when he tipped his deflected strike over the bar.
Cox, who had been on the pitch just eight minutes, won it for Exeter as he cooly slotted into the bottom corner after a clever George Birch pass.
Report supplied by PA Media.
Cowan: 'We beat ourselves today'
Matt Taylor: 'It's long overdue"
