CITY START OFF ON THE LOSING END. MANSFIELD TAKE THE HONOURS IN OPENING MATCH.

Saturday August 19th 1961.

MANSFIELD TOWN 3 (Straw 2, O'Hare)
EXETER CITY 1 (Welsh)

Played at Field Mill, attendance 7,611.

Mansfield Town:- Wyllie; Toon and Humnle; Williams, Phillips, and Morris;
Wagstaff, Coates, Straw, O'Hare, and Stringfellow.
Exeter City:- Jones; Hudson and MacDonald; Mitchell, Harvey, and Sullivan; Welsh, Rees, Blue, Gordon, and Jenkins.
Referee:- Mr P.Rhodes of York.

Exeter City lost their opening game of the season at Mansfield this afternoon, going down 3-1 after being 2-1 behind at half-time. Mansfield's first two goals and the City's reply all were scored in a lively six minute spell early in the game. The City had four newcomers on duty. Former Cardiff City men Brian Jenkins and Derek Sullivan on the left wing and at left half in that order. Geoff Hudson, from Halifax Town, was at right back and Archie Blue, the ex-Hearts player, led the attack. Mansfield included Ray Straw of Coventry and Dan O'Hare of the Celtic in their attack. The City kicked-off, and their initial thrust came to nothing when Jenkins was unable to control the ball, and when play reached the other end Jones had no difficulty in saving from O'Hare. Mansfield, who scored in twelve minutes, were much the better side in a fast and open game, and took all the honours.

• Starting off their Exeter and District League programme Exeter City Reserves were held to a draw at St James's Park by Chelston, each side getting one goal.