Exeter City were unable to recover from a sluggish start as they succumbed to a 2-0 home defeat at the hands of promotion-chasing Stockport County in Sky Bet League One.

Kyle Wootton breached the Grecians inside two minutes, converting the rebound after an initial effort from Jayden Fevrier had bounced back from the post.

City were still in recovery mode when Wootton struck again midway through the first period, with the lively Tanto Olaofe striding through a static home defence to lay the ball on a plate for the easiest brace imaginable.

The Grecians needed some inspiration but Josh Magennis, so often the talisman this season, headed a decent chance wide from an Ed Francis cross seconds before half-time.

After the break, it was a demonstration in game-management from Stockport, frustrating City at every turn to run out deserved victors. Despite the loss, City remain a comfortable nine points clear of the relegation zone ahead of a midweek visit from Wigan Athletic.