The early 1930s were among the most successful in Exeter City's history.

In 1931 City enjoyed an excellent run in the FA Cup reaching the sixth round before losing to Sunderland in a replay at St James Park in front of a record crowd of 20,984. 

Two years later Exeter City achieved their highest league position when they finished as runners-up in the Third Division South, only one club being promoted at that time. Once again War intervened, and Exeter City, unlike many other clubs, stopped playing between 1939 and 1945. 

The Grecians found themselves in the newly formed Fourth Division in 1958, but had to wait until the 1963-64 season, when they won promotion for the first time in the club's history.