Stockport County edged Exeter City 1-0 thanks to a fine first-half header from Nathan Lowe, who timed his run to perfection to settle a contest that took time to spark into life.
The visitors' late arrival delayed kick-off by 15 minutes, and once the game finally began neither side could impose their will in the opening exchanges.
Lowe Strikes Before the Break
As the first half drew on, Stockport gained the upper hand and deservedly led at the interval. Ollie Norwood supplied the cross from a short corner in the 24th minute, and Lowe timed his run perfectly to power in his header.