Exeter 2-0 Forest Green: Jayden Stockley and Pierce Sweeney on target

Jayden Stockley netted his 15th goal of the season as Exeter saw off struggling Forest Green 2-0 at St James Park.

The Grecians’ record signing broke the deadlock in the 51st minute by turning in a cross from on-loan West Brom winger Kyle Edwards, whose half-time introduction changed the course of the game.

Pierce Sweeney added a second six minutes later from the penalty spot as fourth-placed Exeter bolstered their Sky Bet League Two automatic-promotion hopes.

Forest Green dominated the first half and had their best chance when Daniel Wishart drilled a shot across the face of goal, before Lee Holmes did the same for the hosts.

Stockley headed wide from a Holmes corner early in the second half before Edwards crossed low for the former Aberdeen striker to open the scoring from six yards.

Forest Green’s Haydn Hollis cleared off the line to deny Lloyd James a second Exeter goal and Jake Taylor fired wide, as the hosts suddenly came alive after such a lacklustre first half.

Exeter went 2-0 up when the superb Edwards was brought down inside the penalty box and Sweeney hammered home the penalty.

Edwards fired high from the edge of the box for Exeter after a brilliant solo run, but the damage had already been done by then as City saw the game out comfortably.