Kamari Doyle marked his full League One debut for Exeter with the opening goal in a 2-0 victory at Bolton.
The Brighton loanee's corner, flicked on by Trotters old boy Josh Magennis, then enabled Millenic Alli to double the visitors lead after 49 minutes.
Victory was certainly sweet for Exeter boss Gary Caldwell and his team, who were thrashed 7-0 in last season’s corresponding fixture.
Substitute Aaron Collins hit the crossbar as Wanderers looked to avoid a second successive league defeat.
And fellow sub Jordi Osei-Tutu brought a fine save out of Joe Whitworth before Exeter's first away win of the campaign was confirmed.
Bolton, last season's League One play-off final runners-up, made a promising start with Whitworth denying John McAtee his first goal for Bolton.
But Exeter grew in confidence, helped by former Southampton prospect Doyle’s superbly struck free-kick after 34 minutes to put the visitors in front.
And City’s victory margin might have been greater but Amani Richards fired wide after creating his shooting chance.
Match report supplied by PA Media.
