WEDNESDAY 22nd NOVEMBER - EXETER CITY 4 DARTFORD 1

Having been very impressed by the Dartford team on Saturday, it was the turn of their supporters to show their mettle. The travelling Darford fans kept up noisy encouragement despite seeing their side outplayed by a very professional City outfit. It must have been doubly disappointing for them as a dream match against tenants Maidstone United awaited them in Round Two. They can't have too much against us though, towards the end of the second half they asked of the City players 'All We Are Singing, Is Beat Maidstone Too' !

The early stages were dominated by Dartford, but City came back into the game and were rewarded with a goal four minutes before the break. Scott Hiley, once again in a more attacking role, crossed for Steve Neville and his header set up Danny Bailey just nicely to finish with some aplomb.

Twenty minutes after the interval, Peter Taylor's side found themselves 4-0 down. Paul Batty showed the power of his shooting by thumping home a 25 yard drive, on the hour Steve Harrower netted his first goal of the season and finally Steve Neville drove home from a corner. To further emphasize City's superiority, we won fourteen corners on the night.

City let off steam after that manic scoring burst and Dartford began to come more into the game. They netted a consolation goal after 76 minutes when Colin Johnson scored at the near post, with Dave Walter doing a great impersonation of ex Scotland international Alan Rough, by leaving a bloody massive space on his near side which must have reminded the visiting supporters of the tunnel for which their town is famous. All credit to City, this was a very clinical display, but let's be thankful we had a second chance to shatter Dartford's dreams of cup glory.