Lakyle Samuel's first professional goal was enough for Exeter to see off Cheltenham 1-0 at St James Park in Sky Bet League Two.

Whether the on-loan Manchester City defender meant it or not only he will know, but his spectacular 51st-minute cross-shot settled an even contest between two sides pushing for promotion.

Exeter fashioned the first opening in the 10th minute when Jack Fitzwater's clearance fell invitingly for Anthony Scully, but he failed to get the ball under control and get a shot away when in on goal.

The Robins should have gone in front in the 18th minute when Pierce Sweeney's knockdown found Shaun McWilliams, but he smashed his shot against the top of the crossbar and out of the ground.

The deadlock was broken in the 51st minute when the ball was played forward by Harry Kite to Samuel out on the right touchline and his first-time effort on the half turn dipped and swerved over the head of Robins goalkeeper Wyll Stanway and landed in the net.

Kite almost made it 2-0 but his shot was just wide of goal, while Charlie McCann so nearly rescued a point in the final minute for Cheltenham, but his stunning long-range shot came back off the inside of an upright.