FRIDAY 28th JULY
NEWQUAY 0 EXETER CITY 4

Of our four away games, although all at non-league clubs, only one side was more than two divisions away from the Football league. The team in question is Newquay, and it was there that our series of friendlies began on Friday 28th July. The game was originally to be played on the Saturday, and it seemd likely there would be at least 200 Exeter fans present. However, because of the probabilty of the player s' coach being held up in the notorious Summer Saturday traffic, the game was switched to a Friday. Still, fifty or so made the 80 mile journey to the Cornish resort and a good percentage celebrated the return of the football season by singing loudly and boisterously. The vocal opposition came from a group of about ten West Brom fans who amazed us by singing a chorus of The Exe Directory anthem 'Always Look On The Bright Side Of life'! (Get this ... WE THOUGHT OF IT FIRST !!!). The rest of the ground was very quiet as you would expect, but the town itself isn't so peaceful. We drove through the town centre after the game and virtually every pub was overflowing with customers. Yes, Newquay is certainly popular with the tourists. Newquay play in the same division as Torquay's reserve team, the Jewson South Western League, which is mostly made up of teams from South and West Devon and of course from Cornwall. The sides from the Duchy are by far the most successful, Falmouth having won three of the last four League titles, while Newquay have won four during this decade. Their last title was won in 1988, losing only one of their 38 matches, but last season Falmouth pipped them by a narrow margin. The ground is called Mount Wise and is one of the best non-league venues I have visited in the South West. There is a covered stand which, at full capacity, must be able to cater for over 200 spectators. We walked all the way around the ground in an effort to find the entrance and at no point was it possible to see the pitch from outside. This is rare for a small non-league club as with most it is possible to gain an albeit hindered view of the match from outside. So, the Exeter skin-flints were to be disappointed and had to hand over the £1.20 admission fee. The City players were already warming up and most attention was paid to the unknown long-haired dark chap testing Alan Miller with some vicious drives, some so vicious that they cleared the wall some twenty yards behind the goal ! Well, I say unknown, but I recognised him as "Danny something, he used to play for Wealdstone". This remark won astonishment from my friends and when the tannoy announced the name 'Danny Bailey', my satisfaction was complete. Danny must have been feeling pretty satisfied, within one minute of the kick-off it took him less than sixty seconds to score. What a cracker it was too, a belting twenty yard drive into the far corner. This set the stall for City to dominate the proceedings for the rest of the match, no surprise as it was a full team line-up on show. Steve Neville looked as sharp as ever, perhaps more streamlined because of his new short hair cut, whilst Darran Rowbotham looked a bit on the tubby side, his new wife's cooking must be impossible to resist! Anyway, Kevin Miller hardly touched the ball for the duration of the first half, and further goals from Richard Dryden and Brian McDermott gave City a comfortable half-time lead. The City support were delighted to see Jim McNichol come on as substitute, his first appearance in a City shirt since his move to Torquay in 1986. It's nice to have him back, the thought of him pairing Shaun Taylor in central defence must excite all City fans, but must worry all Fourth Division strikers. Speaking of Shaun, he had been the subject of much transfer talk throughout the week. Firstly Scunthorpe offered City £100,000 for him, a joke really as: a) he's worth more than that and b) why would he choose to go to Scunthorpe Instead of staying at a club where he's enjoying his football ? (money ? surely not !). Hopefully he will enjoy himself here for a while longer, but with Scottish Premier outfit Hibernian now expressing more than a passing interest, I am not sure that this will be the case. Shaun wasn't too impressive actually, not his usual commanding self in the middle, and new boy Clive Whitehead seemed a bit rusty as well. However, within a few minutes midway through the second half two City players showed they were in good shape. Firstly Richard Dryden netted the fourth goal and then Kevin Miller superbly tipped a near post header for a corner. It really was an excellent save, especially considering it was the only work he'd had all night, it was clear that our Kev had stayed alert despite the lack of action in the City goal-mouth. It was good to hear a buzz around the ground after that effort, I think the Cornish fans would have made a fair noise in celebration had they scored. I am sorry that I have not mentioned any names of the Newquay team, but as there were no programmes available (apparently they had been delayed at the printers), my knowledge of their playing staff is as low as it was before the game.

SATURDAY 29th JULY
EXETER CITY 5 TORRINGTON 0
I travelled to Torrington last August for our friendly there, we won 7-0. The second leg of this vital game took place on Exeter territory, but, in order to give Torrington a glimmer of hope, the average age of the side barely reached double figures. This game was played at the Cat and Fiddle training ground in Clyst St Mary but a fair number of enthusiasts turned out to watch. The game was billed as a first team City game, but as only three of the side had appeared in the first team, Dave Walter, Scott Hiley and Richard Young, it really was more of a second eleven. The rest of the side was made up by reserve team players and trialists, and it was one of these trialists who caught the eye most. It's hard not to notice Ben Rowe anyway as he sports a Mitch style hair-cut (hair shaved around the sides) and his busy style of play keeps the opposition defenders on edge at all times. However the coloured winger was the star attraction as he notched a hat-trick in the second half. He had been a constant threat to the Torringon defence before the interval and he was involved in the move which set up fellow trialist Robert Cousens for the opening goal. This came less than ten minutes before the break, the North Devon side's defence being efficiently marshalled by none other than Keith Viney. The ex-City stalwart seems to have a good sense of humour, for example when a young Torrington defender stopped Richard Young in full flow, Viney congratulated him, adding "he's too big for me to stop" ! Later Viney was told to use his weight more, to which he made a gesture as to suggest "what weight?". His experience will be needed desperately at Torrington because they have a poor defensive record. Two other ex-City players were on show, youngster Martin Parker and the experienced Roy Ireland. Shortly into the second half Rowe headed the second goal and soon after he finished for number three. Scott Hiley put his name on the score sheet direct from a free kick just outside the area, but the biggest cheer was reserved for Rowe when he completed his triple. The youngster, previously on the books of Bristol City, wasn't satisfied though and he harried and chased every loose ball for the rest of the match. If he displays the same enthusiasm and skill on a regular basis, then I look forward to seeing him starring in a City shirt for some time to come. It seemed as though Steve Neville was in charge of the team for this match as he was on the manager's bench whilst Terry Cooper watched on the other side of the pitch. T.C surprisingly didn't seem to recognise me, but I noticed two things about Terry; a) he has a high regard for Scott Hiley and b) he wears the trendiest clothes of any of our recent managers. With the notable exception of Colin Appleton of course!

WEDNESDAY 2nd AUGUST
EXETER CITY 2 COVENTRY CITY 1

When I breezed into the office (not The Exe Directory's office you plonkers) the morning after this victory, my comments on how well City had played were largely ignored. Of course this could be a hint from my colleagues that I talk too much at work, but I think the main reason for their subdued reaction was was that Coventry are not a glamour club. It have sounded much more would sounded impressive if City had beaten Everton or Manchester Utd (and the crowd would have been a damn sight bigger as well), but the fact is that Coventry finished higher than these two glamour clubs last season. So what were are the explanations for the 81st placed club in the Barclays league beating the 7th. Well, aside from the fact that this was a mere friendly, there are none. Coventry fielded a full strength side and their commitment could not be questioned, proof being the flare ups on the field and fierce tackling. Also that they ran back to the centre spot after their goal with one player holding the ball in order to get the game started again as quickly as possible. They haven't had a spending spree during the summer either so it could not be said that their team has not gelled (I love that word !) together. No, the honest truth is that City played Coventry off the park. With Hibernian manager Alex Miller watching the events with interest, Shaun Taylor was eager to impress and he must have been pleased with his performance in direct competition with David Speedie, potentially Cov's most dangerous player. To cap an excellent performance Taylor headed City home at the far post from a McDermott corner on 38 minutes. It was a deserved lead as the First Division side had hardly threatended the City goal and six minutes later they were embarrassed further. Steve Neville was only just inside the area when he was brought down by Trevor Peake, who played like a donkey all night, and Darran Rowbotham showed his spot kicking expertise once again. Danny Bailey came on in the second half and he immediately endeared himself to the faithful.

MONDAY 7th AUGUST
EXETER CITY 3 WATFORD 2

"Coventry at home, hmmmm Interesting, away to Cheltenham and Weymouth, Newquay as well ?, make a nice change, Watford ? Oh, bloody hell, not again !" This seemed to be the reaction of most City supporters on being told of our pre-season opponents. We were thrashed by Watford in November 1982 (1-7) and February 1986 (0-4) and drew 1-1 last August. So of all the First and Second Division sides who could have visited St James Park, Watford were the one team I least wanted to see. However, this was the most entertaining of the four City v Watford friendlies in the past seven years. The first two were so one-sided they could hardly be considered entertaining for a City fan whilst last season's match was a pretty dire effort. This game though had five goals, lots of near misses and the right result in the end. The self-styled 'family club' took the lead through Paul Wilkinson half way through the first half following a corner, but City replied within three minutes, a Dryden cross was headed home stylishly by Steve Neville. Let's be honest though, Nevs is such an accomplished footballer he can foul stylishly as well! It wasn't too long until Watford restored their lead with a sweet finish by Iwan Roberts, who was also on target in the 1986 game. Watford were deservedly ahead at half-time, but City began to turn the screw in the second-half. Then, on 68 minutes, Neville set up Richard Dryden for the equaliser. City dominated the rest of the match and the inevitable came with six minutes left. Neville timed his run to perfection as Shaun Taylor's through ball breeched Watford's offside trap. Tony Coton is generally acknowledged as one of the country's best keepers, but Nevs slipped the ball past him with a calm assurance. The man nearly claimed a hat-trick, Nigel Gibbs clearing off the line, whilst Dean Holdsworth, after rounding Walter, missed an open goal with seconds remaining. It was perhaps a touch fortunate that the opportunity fell to Holdsworth as he had only been on the field for two minutes. Yes, a game with plenty to discuss afterwards, the major question being 'will we play them again next year ?"
CITY TEAM : Walter, Hiley, Vinnicombe, Rogers (Batty 51), Taylor, Whitehead, Rowbotham, Bailey, Young (McDermott 70), Neville, Dryden.
WATFORD TEAM : Coton, Gibbs, Drysdale, Jackett, Roeder, Falconer (Richardson 77), Redfearn, Wilkinson (Allison 46), Roberts ( Dean Holdsworth 88), Porter, Holden. 22,
SCORERS:
0-1 Wilkinson 22, 
1-1 Neville 25,
1-2 Roberts 35,
2-2 Dryden 68 
3-2 Neville 84.
ATTENDANCE:
1,536 (50 Watford fans).

WEDNESDAY 9th AUGUST 
WEYMOUTH 2 EXETER CITY 5 Weymouth, despite being relegated from the Vauxhall Conference last season, are one of the better non-league sides. However, a City side without the 'old crocks' Neville and Whitehead easily disposed of the part-timers. In the end, the biggest surprise was that the margin of victory was not of more than three goals. The ground is very modern, having only been completed in 1987, but is very open as well, there would be few places to shelter on a stormy day. It is Impressive as non-league grounds go, especially the Main Stand, but is nowhere near as attractive a venue as Scunthorpe's new stadium. Most of the City contingent were sat near the front of the Main Stand and it wasn't long until they had the opportunity to acclaim a goal, a far post header from Shaun Taylor. Nine minutes later the good work was undone when Tony Pounder shot home after Walter had completely messed up a cross. The next ten minutes though belonged to Darran Rowbotham. First of all he shot miles wide after being put through. Shortly afterwards he made amends by blasting the ball into the roof of the net at the far post. Then, on 29 minutes, he proceeded to amaze everyone in the ground by scoring with a tremendous overhead kick from near the edge of the penalty area. The away contingent celebrated with much more gusto than you would expect for a friendly, it really was a goal Pele would have been proud of (after all he's nearly fifty now!). Not for Dazza Brazilian style celebrations though. No running around the corner flag or kissing Terry Cooper for him, Darran was quite satisfied to run contentedly back to our half, perhaps knowing that he is brilliant and that we expect such entertainment from him. However, like Brazil, City are known to have defensive lapses and they let Martyn Grimshaw pull a goal back before half-time. After the interval Exeter dominated the proceedings without creating too many chances. They did manage another two goals though, a well placed shot from Shaun Taylor on the hour and a Richard Dryden header late on. Plenty of attacking promise shown, especially in the first-half, but the defensive lapses are a bit worrying. It was interesting to see four ex-City players in action for the home team and none of them showed the characteristics we were used to seeing. Keeper Mel Gwinnett was pretty safe and marshalled his defence well, he was not to blame for any of the goals. Kevin Smith had been signed from Exmouth Town where he was in irrepressible form last season, but most City fans will remember him for his ability to get Injured. Well he got through this game with no problems. I can't remember too much about Steve Pugh either as a City player or in this game (except that he wasn't very good). Finally..Richard Cooper. He is a tough old cookie as we all know and even though he was not in his psycho mode in this game, I dread to think what would have happened had Clive Whitehead been opposing him in midfield. 
WEYMOUTH TEAM: Gwinnett, Oliver, Linney, Gibson, Compton, Cooper, Pounder, Grimshaw, Smith, Tanner, Pugh.
CITY TEAM Walter, Hiley, Vinnicombe, Rogers, Taylor, Batty, Rowbotham, Benjamin, Young, Dryden, McDermott.

SCORERS: 0-1 Taylor 9, 1-1 Pounder 18, 1-2 Rowbotham 26, 1-3 Rowbotham 29, 2-3 Grimshaw 35, 2-4 Taylor 59, 2-5 Dryden 85.
ATTENDANCE: 420 (60 City fans).

SATURDAY 12th AUGUST
CHELTENHAM TOWN 0
EXETER CITY 1
Most of the towns and cities we visit watching our favourite team are hardly of an affluent nature, Hartlepool, Burnley and Cleethorpes are, to be truthful, pretty horrible. Cheltenham though is a completely different kettle of fish. There is hardly any litter on the streets and parks and graceful old buildings are plentiful. The cover of the matchday programme shows the city's beauty to full effect. As for the match itself it was the least competitive of our pre-season games. I thought that City would score a hatful after an impressive opening spell, which saw Brian McDermott score on four minutes, but the rest of the match was very dull fare for the Whaddon Road crowd. The goal had come courtesy of a Danny Bailey cross, much to the delight of a very noisy Mitch, who has taken the long haired supremo straight to his heart. For me the most interesting feature of the game was seeing Richard Young playing in central defence. Most of my companions thought he could be useful in that position, but I'm not so sure. I know central defenders are not supposed to be quick, but Youngie is another thing entirely! The best chance from then on fell to Steve Neville, whose shot hit the keeper when it looked likely he would score. Cheltenham lacked Inspiration, but midfielder Phil Williams, who was a psycho in the Richard Cooper mould in his Swansea days, was very busy. Another Town Midfielder Steve Brooks proved to be no danger at all, he is supposed to be one of the best players in non-league football. All in all, a comfortable win for City despite the mere one goal margin.
CHELTENHAM TEAM: Churchward (Mogg 45), Burns, Vircavs, Craig (Crowley 53), Willetts, Lissaman (Pountain 65), Brooks, Williams, Nuttell, Jordan.
CITY TEAM: Walter, Hiley, Whitehead, Young, Taylor, McDermott, Rowbotham, Bailey, Vinnicombe (Batty 53), Neville (Benjamin 80), Dryden.
SCORERS: 0-1 McDermott 4.
ATTENDANCE: 540 (40 City fans).