RYAN Harley grabbed the only goal of an uninspiring contest as Cherries' nine-match unbeaten league run came to a shuddering end at the hands of Exeter today.

Harley netted midway through the second half to hand the newly-promoted Devon outfit their first victory since their return to the Football League following a five-year exile.

Cherries boss Kevin Bond made no fewer than four changes to his starting line-up with his threadbare squad ravaged by injury.

Goalkeeper Shwan Jalal, defender Joel Ward and striker Jo Kuffour were ruled out by an assortment of ailments, while Sammy Igoe dropped down to the bench.

Ryan Pryce and Jason Pearce replaced Jalal and Ward, respectively, while Danny Hollands made a welcome return and new signing Scott Wagstaff was handed his debut.

Winger Wagstaff, on loan from Charlton, almost made a dream start but just failed to connect with Brett Pitman's low cross as Cherries mounted their first attack after five minutes.

But the Grecians also created an early chance when Adam Stansfield's effort trickled inches past the post after the visitors had scythed open the Cherries defence.

In a first half high on endeavour but low on goalscoring opportunities, Harley's 37th-minute drive was the only shot on target during the opening period.

The second half continued in much the same vein with a shot from Wagstaff and a prod over the crossbar by Matt Taylor failing to trouble the scorers.

Harley finally made the breakthrough when he beat Pryce with a low, angled drive after being sent scampering down the left flank by Rob Edwards's pass in the 67th minute.

And the visitors went close to doubling their lead just seconds later when Dean Moxey's centre flashed across the face of the goalmouth with Stansfield almost converting.

As Cherries finally found their shooting boots, Pitman was denied by a fine save from Paul Jones, the goalkeeper diving to his right to parry the striker's fierce low shot.

Cherries had a penalty claim turned down in the closing stages when Igoe's cross appeared to strike the hand of Exeter skipper Dan Seaborne.

Cherries (4-4-1-1): Pryce; Bradbury, Guyett (Sappleton, 57), Pearce, Cummings; Wagstaff (Igoe, 78), Anderton (Lindfield, 70), Cooper, Bartley; Hollands, Pitman.

Unused subs: McQuoid, Partington.

Booked: Bradbury.

Exeter City (3-5-2): Jones; Tully, Seaborne, Taylor, Friend; Harley, Edwards, Gill; Logan (Moxey, 65), Stansfield (McAllister, 90), Stewart.

Unused subs: Panther, Sercombe, Marriott (g/k).

Booked: Seaborne, Moxey.

Referee: James Linington (Isle of Wight).

Attendance: 5,350.