Exeter overcame the early dismissal of defender Danny Seaborne to earn a dogged victory over Port Vale.

Seaborne was sent off on 21 minutes after picking up two bookings - first for a reckless challenge on Scott Brown and later for kicking the ball away.

However, Exeter took the lead four minutes after going down to 10 men when Marcus Stewart headed goalwards and Luke Prosser put through his own net. Vale almost equalised when Paul Edwards thumped against the post from 30 yards.

Exeter:

Jones, Archibald-Henville, Edwards, Seaborne, Sercombe, Cozic, Gill, Moxey, Stewart, Fleetwood (Logan 83), Stansfield (McAllister 90).
Subs Not Used: Marriott, Tully, Harley.

Sent Off: Seaborne (21).

Booked: Seaborne, Cozic.

Goals: Prosser 29 og.

Port Vale: Martin, Stockley, McCombe, Prosser, Edwards, Brown (Richman 69), Brammer (Lawrie 75), Howland (Glover 46), Griffith, Marshall, Dodds.
Subs Not Used: Lloyd-Weston, Collins.

Booked: Prosser, Glover.

Att: 4,235

Ref: Simon Hooper (Swindon).