EXETER CITY WIN WITH A PENALTY.

Saturday April 4th 1970 

Exeter City 2 York City 1: 

Exeter City can be almost sure of a guarantee of safety in the Fourth Division after beating York and thereby gathering in two more precious points.

Exeter City: Wilson; Crawford, Blain; Morris, Sharples, Balson; Giles, Binney, Gadston, Wingate, Mitten. Sub Banks.

York City:-Morritt; Martin, Burrows; Sibbald, Swallow, Topping; Taylor, Davieson, Aimson, Hewitt, Boyer. Sub McMahon.

The City did a lot of pressing in the first half but still had to retire empty-handed at half-time. But five minutes after the interval they did get a goal, and what a goal it was! Mitten fed Binney, who controlled the bouncing ball, moved forward a couple of paces and let fly with a swinging drive which zoomed into the net like a rocket. The ball went in off the goal poast. Binney, whose first goal it was, also earned a mention in regard to Exeter's second, which was shot home from the penalty spot by Mitten after Binney had been brought down unfairly by Swallow. The York substitute, McMahon, near the end, scored their goal for their first point. Shearing gave a competent display between the Exeter posts, one of his best saves coming early in the game from the lively Aimson, who had returned to York from Huddersfield Town at a fee of £8,000. Aimson, who must have been surprised to see his thundering shot from a range of about eight yards stopped by Shearing, was for most of the match well policed by Sharples, though he gave some trouble in the closing minutes when he struck the post with one shot and then had two headers cleared off the goal-line.

THE GENERALSHIP OF NEWMAN.

John Newman held the City defence together soundly, and it was not very often that the York attack developed a constructive approach. In fact Exeter had the edge in midfield play, but their finishing did not on most occasions match their approach work. Pleat crossed over some good centres, one of which Wingate chipped too high from close range. Banks, who contributed a lot of constructive and brainy scheming, was also unfortunate in just failing to connect with a centre from Blain five yards from goal. There was some frustrating and disappointing play in the first half, and most of the thrills were reserved for the closing quarter. It was ironical that Mahon should be switched from left to right wing after the interval following a poor first half display and so be in a position to score the decisive goal. Exeter City could take heart even in this defeat. They played with a great deal of determination and spirit and revealed plenty of ability when defending. Much of their approach work was better than York's. What they needed was more penetrative power in attack. With that they could soon move away from the bottom position in the League, for there was really little difference between them and York City in general football ability.

Attendance:- 6,200. (Given as 4111 in some reports)