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Exeter halted a run of three successive defeats as Gary Bowyer's first game in charge of Salford ended in a 1-0 loss at St James Park.

Matt Jay netted the only goal of a game where chances were few and far between.

Salford started well and came close to scoring when Ian Henderson cut inside Alex Hartridge and fired against the underside of the crossbar. James Wilson turned the rebound goalwards but was denied by Rory McArdle's excellent goal-line clearance.

Exeter thought they should have had a penalty when Jay's cross appeared to be handled, but nothing was given.

However, City's top scorer broke the deadlock on 34 minutes when he followed in a blocked Jake Taylor shot and tapped in the loose ball.

The second half was more attritional with few chances at either end. Salford saw more of the ball but struggled to test Jokull Andresson in the Exeter goal, while the hosts seemed content to sit in, contain and play on the break.

Salford's Brandon Thomas-Asante did have one effort at goal, which Andresson saved with his foot, but Exeter defended superbly and were good value for an important win.

Match report supplied by PA Media.