3rd January 1959
Exeter City v Darlington 

EXETER CITY RECOVER TO KEEP GROUND RECORD.
TWO GOALS DOWN IN TEN MINUTES BUT EARN A POINT.

With Carr scoring twice for Darlington within the first ten minutes of today's match at St James's Park it seemed that the unbeaten-at home record of Exeter City was in serious danger. Goals by Calland and Rees put the Grecians on terms by the interval, however, and the "Quakers" had some narrow escapes in the second half as the City fought hard for the winner. It didn't come, and so for only the second time at home this season the City dropped a point. With sand in both goalmouths and along the centre line the pitch was heavy, but not nearly as bad as it was last week.

City: Hunter; Foley, MacDonald; Mitchell, Oliver, Thompson; Stiffle, Rees, Calland, Nicholls, Dale.

Darlington:- Turner; Leader, Lyske; Bulch, Watson, Furphy; Fletcher, Bell, Carr, Milner, Lancaster.

Referee:- Mr R.E.Smith of Newport.

It was a great fight back by the City after those two shock goals by which Darlington established an early and unexpected lead. The City, however, were certainly not at their best today. The defence had a shaky afternoon, and the forwards consequently did not always get their usual service. The whole machine was erratic. Jimmy Thompson proved his worth on the mud with his strength in the first half. Darlington deserved their point if only for their persistence, their speed, and their use of the right tactics in the conditions.

• Exeter City Reserves were without a game today.

TONBRIDGE 5
EXETER CITY RESERVES 1.
SATURDAY JANUARY 10TH
AT TONBRIDGE.

Exeter City Reserves came to grief at Tonbridge, where they suffered a crushing defeat. Lobbett, who saved four certain goals, alone stood between Tonbridge and a runaway victory. The City were immediately on the defence and the home forwards kept up a series of strong attacks. Their approach work was good but they could not shoot hard enough to beat Lobbett until Peyton and Menzies scored for them shortly before half-time. Although Exeter were under pressure again following the interval the lead was reduced by Carberry, but despite the resistance of Lobbett the home side scored further goals through Ball, Dougan and Peyton.