EXETER CITY 0
CARLISLE UNITED 0

Saturday September 19th at St James's Park.

A goalless draw was the outcome of a poor game, City struggled badly and obviously his strengthening in certain positions if they are to make headway this season, Smyth played well on hit Comeback and Patrick was using the ball extremely well but did not have much of a defensive test against an equally poor Carlisle side. Welsh was the most effective forward but everyone else connected with the attack were just Scratching the surface of the job, City did not play well enough to make any impression, they did try but were just not up to it. They failed to create chances which was worrying and consequently were sadly lacking in attack. City need to show little more safety in defence, more power and control in the halfback line and better ideas and finish in attack, New players are a must now although there should not be any panic measures at this stage of the season, Exeter's chairman Mr Reg Rose said after the game that an injection of new blood is needed, but he does not intend to be rushed into it.


Exeter City:- Shearing; Smyth, Patrick; Mitchell, Harvey, Anderson; Welsh, Banks, Carter, Hancock, Rees.

Carlisle United:- Ross; Neil, Caldwell; McConnell, Passmoor, Harland; Blain, Evans, McIlmoyle, Brayton, Kirkup.

Referee:- Mr D.A.Corbett of Wolverhampton.

Attendance 7,502,

BRIDGWATER 1 (Handley penalty) EXETER CITY RESERVES 1 (Riding) 

At Bridgwater.

Bridgwater:- Elliott; Oliphant, Griffiths; Scott, Packer, Rice; Muxworthy, Baker, Handley, White, Rackley.

City Reserves:- Davies; Fulton, Arbury;
Grace, Higgins, Rutley; Stuckey, Redwood, Riding, Curtis, Thorne.

No one could complain at the City's defensive changes, Smyth and Patrick coming into the team and both playing well. But as a game it was a poor one. Things were never set up too well in the middle of the field, and when the wingers were effective the inside men were not. The first half was the better of the two. The City had a couple of good chances then, and looked something of an attacking force, but the longer the game went on the worse they became.

• At Bridgwater the City Reserves were a goal down after 15 minutes when Davies was beaten by a corner-kick and Fulton fisted the ball out. Handley scored from the resultant penalty. Despite the early reverse Exeter were generally the better side and justice was done when Riding got the equaliser in the second half.