Exeter City v Deveonshire Regiment 

22nd April 1945

CITY BEAT DEVONS.

Though a goal down at the end of 35 minutes, Exeter City, with many unfamiliar players, defeated a Devonshire Regiment side by 3 goals to 1 in a charity match for the Merchant Navy Comforts Fund, at Weymouth, on Saturday. Newman, centre forward, and easily the best attacker on the Devon's side, obtained their only score.

City afterwards pressed strongly and were unlucky to change over in arrears, for the cross bar saved the Devons three times. Ebdon was twice unfortunate with oblique shots. The equaliser did not come until twenty minutes of the second half had gone when Pays (an army player) headed through from Tuckett's centre. Thereafter it was all Exeter, and they took the lead from the typical Ebdon effort from 20 vards' range. Evans completed the tally with a free kick which the goalkeeper misjudged.

In a sound City defence, Lucas was outstanding. His colleague from the Royal Marines, Higgs, was best of a hard-working half back line. Tuckett, a local product, was a persistent wing forward, with Ebdon and Hirst other attackers to shine. For the Devons, Eades, at scentre half, was a dominating figure who saved his side from a heavier defeat.

Attendance was 3,000 and the receipts about £150.