E. H. Tappin was an amateur with Exeter City in 1932 and 1933, playing in the trial and practice games on the 13th August 1932 and on the 12th and 16th August 1933. He continued to play as an amateur for Exeter City Reserves and played against Dawlish in the Exeter and District League on the 16/11/1935. He was a half-back, with previous experience in the Kent League.