Saturday 17th March 1990 Division Four
Exeter City 2
Peterborough United 0
Attendance: 4,676

Paul Batty roared back to his best at St James' Park as Exeter City strengthened their grip on top spot in Division Four with an accomplished display against promotion rivals Peterborough United.

Batty turned in the sort of midfield performance that made him such a hit with the fans in 1987-88 when he was voted Player of the Year. An incisive through ball from Batty for Richard Dryden in the 34th minute set up the first goal and Batty's efforts were justly rewarded when he scored the all important second himself on the hour. He won and took the penalty that gave City breathing space and they confidently defended their lead against a disappointing Peterborough attack.

Worryingly both Darren Rowbotham and Brian McDermott ended up in hospital after bad knocks in each half.

Rowbotham's injury looked serious (and
that proved to be the case) as he was hurt in the build up to the first goal and McDermott caught a boot full in the face with the second half barely five minutes old.

The result put City four points clear at the top of the league and they still had games in hand over all the teams bidding to knock them off their perch.

City's success was due to the entertaining football they played. They played some bright and breezy football to match the beautiful Spring weather.

City team: Kevin Miller, Scott Hiley, Richard Dryden, Jim McNichol, Shaun Taylor, Angus McPherson, Darren Rowbotham (Richard Young), Danny Bailey, Brian McDermott (Tony Frankland), Steve Neville, Paul Batty.

Peterborough team: Godden, Luke, Crosby, Halsall, Robinson, McElhinney,
Sterling (Oakes), Harle, Jepson, Riley,
Butterworth (Osborne).