Two goals from David McGoldrick enabled Southampton to avoid a potential Carling Cup pitfall at Exeter.

Lee Holmes swept Saints ahead from 18 yards, and young striker McGoldrick drilled in a shot to double the lead.

Dean Moxey outjumped Saints keeper Bartosz Bialkowski to head Exeter back into contention.

McGoldrick clinched Saints place in the second round by slotting home an injury time penalty after being fouled by Danny Seabourne.

Exeter: Jones, Tully, Matthew Taylor, Seaborne, Friend, Gill, Edwards (Moxey 82), Harley, Stewart, McAllister (Basham 63), Stansfield (Logan 78).
Subs Not Used: Sercombe, Marriott, Cozic, Panther.

Goals: Moxey 85.

Southampton: Bialkowski, James, Wotton, Perry, Surman, Thomson (John 55), Gillett, Schneiderlin, Holmes, McGoldrick, Lallana.
Subs Not Used: Forecast, Dyer, Hatch, Lancashire, Mills, White.

Booked: Schneiderlin, James.

Goals: Holmes 29, McGoldrick 77, 90 pen.

Att: 6,471.

Ref: Fred Graham (Essex).