MYSTERY OF CITY'S COLLAPSE
They Led Until 15 Minutes From End

Wednesday March 23rd 1955.
BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION 5
EXETER CITY 3.

At the Goldstone Ground, Hove, attendance 7,000.

Brighton's successful rally on Wednesday in a League match might have surprised themselves, because for over an hour the local enthusiasts were unhappy. Exeter City in contrast played pleasing and cultivated football from the time Brighton had shocked them with a goal in the 7th minute. Houghton, the most creative forward in the game, quickly rallied his forces, and the Brighton defence, lacking the inspiration of their captain, Langley, playing for the England "B" international team, seldom looked confident.
INTELLIGENT MANOEUVRING BY CITY FORWARDS.
With shrewd passes Houghton split open the home defence and Mitchell and Ellaway were little behind him in intelligent manoeuvring. Thomas and John on the wings proved quick to profit from the service they received. The quick-acting City middle men were too playing an important part, always endeavouring to make good use of the ball. Kelly and his protectors never gave any cause for concern, until a disastrous final phase.
EXETER DEFENCE WILTS.
Following Brighton's early goal the City really went to town. They were undoubtedly the superior side, and goals by Houghton and Mitchell enabled them to cross over with an interval lead of 2-1. After an hour Moore put Brighton on terms with a splendid header, but a first-time shot by John deservedly restored Exeter's lead. Then for the first time the visitors showed signs of faltering and in the closing quarter of an hour Brighton netted three times through Mundy (2) and Howard. It must have been really disappointing for the City, who at the most deserved and at the least a share in the honours.

Brighton:-
Gill; Tennant, Fox; Edwards, Whitfield, Wilson; Gordon, Mundy, Moore, Foreman, Howard.

City:-
Kelly; B.Doyle, Douglass; Dunne, Harvey, Davey; Thomas, Houghton, Mitchell, Ellaway, John.