Exeter bounced back from their midweek hammering by Chesterfield with an excellent 2-0 victory over Chester at St James' Park.

The Grecians were thumped 6-1 in midweek but they turned in a fine performance to seal a comfortable victory against a distinctly average Chester side.

Adam Stansfield opened the scoring midway through the first half. It came after some neat build-up from the Grecians with Dean Moxey playing a fine ball into the inside left channel for Marcus Stewart. He crossed hard and low into the box where Stansfield was on hand to clip the ball past John Danby from close range.

Exeter goalkeeper Paul Jones ensured his side went in at the break in front by pulling off a stunning save on the stroke of half-time. Kevin Ellison's free-kick from 25 yards looked destined for the top corner but Jones managed to tip the ball over the bar with one hand.

The Grecians had a great chance to double their lead when Kevin Roberts was penalised for a handball inside the box but Richard Logan's penalty was weak and easily saved by Danby, diving to his right.

The Devon side continued to dominate but struggled to find that second goal. However, Exeter finally made the game safe two minutes from time when Rob Edwards delivered a fine cross into the box and Matt Taylor met it with a thumping header from six yards.

Chester rarely threatened although they did come close to a consolation when substitute Shaun Kelly saw his thumping shot deflected narrowly over the crossbar.