CITY WIN THE COMPLIMENTS

But Not the Points

Monday October 3rd 1977.

Prenton Park, Birkenhead, attendance 3,807.

TRANMERE ROVERS 2 EXETER CITY 1.

Exeter City left Prenton Park pointless as Tranmere regained the top position in the Third Division, but even the partisan home supporters were the first to admit the Merseysiders were somewhat fortunate to win.

The City dominated the game for long periods, and it is certain that they will play much worse and not be beaten. Saxton came the nearest to salvaging a point for his side near the end of the game when his goal-bound shot was deflected by Mathias, the Tranmere captain, for a corner.

Tranmere managed just three worthwhile scoring chances in the first half, so confident and capable was the Exeter defence, but then the Westcountry side was rocked by two goals in as many minutes, which came almost out of the blue. Exeter's goal was headed by Roberts in the 70th minute.

Tranmere Rovers:- Johnson; Mathias and Flood; Parry, Philpotts, and Evans; Peplow, Palios, Moore, Tynan, and Allan.

Exeter City: Key; Templeman and Hore; Bowker, Saxton, and Hatch; Hodge, Kellow, Randell, Roberts, and Jennings.