Exeter keeper James Bittner was sent off against Hereford for the second time in a week as his side suffered a second successive home defeat at St James' Park on new year's day.
Bittner got his marching orders for deliberate handball on the stroke of half-time.
His replacement, Martin Rice, was then beaten by Daniel Williams' resulting free-kick.
Youngster Rice will now be looking at the very least, a six-game run in the first team, when Bittner begins his double suspension.
The 1-0 reuslt saw City begin the new year in sixth place, nine points behind second-placed Hereford.
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