Crewe 2 Exeter City 2.

September 5th September 

Alex hit back for a point

ALEXANDRA dropped their first home point against Exeter at Gresty- road on Monday but need not feel too dis- heartened about it (writes Roy Greer).

Exeter looked a well-organised team, particularly when they were moving forward, and the two-goal lead they took would have shaken the confidence of most opponents. But Crewe hit back in the second half, salvaged a point and nearly picked up two. It was a commendable effort which provided further evidence that they have pace, fitness and craft enough to upset a lot of teams this season.

Exeter scored their first goal in the fifth minute, when Elliott snapped up an attempted back-pass from Harley. It was Harley's one error in an otherwise immaculate display. He had less freedom than against Notts County but kept his forwards moving with a stream of accurate passes seconds after the interval and Exeter's second goal came a few seemed to inspire Crewe to launch an all-out offensive. When Blain sent in a drive from 30 yards the ball bounced awkwardly for the diving Mailey and spun into the net. Sandiford headed through for Crewe in the 55th minute from Kane's centre. Matthews twice hit the bar and in the 73rd minute the inside- right got the equaliser Crewe deserved. Exeter, composed and dependable earlier, were now distinctly un- settled and it was only by the skin of their teeth that they avoided defeat. Particularly impressive for Crewe were Leigh, Gannon, Harley and Matthews.

Match Summary 
Almost every known "soccer signpert" now points to Exeter City having a better than average season. In six opening League and Cup games they have been beaten only the once, against Southend by a single goal margin. In their three "away" League matches they have taken three points, and this is encouraging form, although it is much too early in the season to indulge in speculations about promotion. But unfortunately at Crewe they built up a two goals lead, Elliott and Blain having scored, and then let it slip away from them when first Sandford and then Matthews scored for the home side.

Crewe Alex: Mailey; Marshall, Leigh; Harley, Barnes, Gannon; Kane, Matthews, Sandiford, Bradshaw, Gowans.

Exeter City :- Jones; Smyth, Ley; Wilkinson, Harford, Thompson; Godfrey, Keeley, Elliott, Evans, and Blain.

Referee: Mr. H. Richards (Oldham)

Attendance: 4,152.