Ed Francis and Kamari Doyle give Exeter victory over Stevenage

Goals in each half from Ed Francis and Kamari Doyle saw Exeter cruise to a comfortable 2-0 win over Stevenage in Sky Bet League One.

Stevenage started well with Carl Piergianni heading over from close range, while Pierce Sweeney was denied for Exeter after a lovely corner routine. But the Grecians soon took control of the game.

Exeter took the lead after nine minutes when the impressive Doyle whipped in a brilliant corner and as the ball bounced around in the six-yard box, Francis hooked it over the line with his back to goal from four yards out.

Josh Magennis fired wide for Exeter after more good work by Doyle and it was the on-loan Brighton midfielder who doubled Exeter’s lead in the 50th minute when he was picked out by Ilmari Niskanen, took a good first touch and lashed the ball into the roof of the net from a tight angle.

Substitute Millenic Alli, who replaced man of the match Doyle, headed on to the roof of the net as Exeter seized control of the game, although Luther James-Wildin should have done better with an 89th-minute chance for Stevenage, but shot straight at Joe Whitworth – Stevenage’s first effort on target.