CITY MADE TO PAY FOR DEFENSIVE TACTICS

Monday March 2nd 1967

Northampton 2 City 0.  

Although Exeter's spoiling defensive tactics came close to providing them with one point, on the County Ground, Northampton, two goals by the Cobblers in the last ten minutes left the City with nothing to show for all their earlier hard work. It was not until after Large had put his side into the lead with a clever goal in the 80th minute that the City made any serious efforts to attack. When they did they went close on two occasions before Felton dashed in to head the Town's second goal one minute before the whistle blew for time.

Northampton:- Book; Fairfax, Brookes; Clarke, Rankmore, Kiernan;
Felton, Ross, Large, Fairbrother, Lines.

Exeter City:- Wilson; Crawford, Blain; Parker, Sharples, Balson; Pleat, Wingate, Gadston, Mitten, Walker.

Subs:- Knight (Northampton) Banks (Exeter City).

The City would have lost by an even greater margin but for some inspired goalkeeping by Wilson and sterling work at centre half by Sharples. By packing their penalty area with as many men as possible when the home team had possession Exeter made it quite clear that they were out for one point only, and a goal-less draw seemed inevitable as the frustrated home forwards failed to breach the wall of massed defenders.

TESTING TIME.

Crawford and Blain were given a testing time by Northampton's pair of clever and speedy wingers, Felton and Lines, but stuck to their task resolutely, while Balson provided strong and reliable cover in the middle for Sharples. Exeter had few chances of scoring, but Pleat was a lively raider on the right wing and Gadston went close with well taken shots at goal on a couple of occasions. Parker and Ross both had their names taken by the referee following an unnecessary clash in which fists were raised. Unfortunately the City left themselves very little chance of recovery once the home team had scored, and after their experience against Northampton in three cup-ties this season they might well have done better to have adopted a more adventurous style.

Attendance 4,974.