15 October 1983

SOUTHEND (0) 0
EXETER C (1) 3
Rogers (P) 27 Francis 61 Pratt 66 

Attendance 2,342

Southend slip

Former England players Gerry Francis and Peter Taylor conjured up a shock win for bottom-of-the-table Exeter. Although having more possession, Southend produced few real clear-cut chances and when they were on target, they found 'keeper Len Bond on superb form. Southend went behind in the 27th minute when Keith Viney's free kick was bundled over the line by Peter Rogers. Francis made it 2-0 when he went past three lunging tackles and chipped a brilliant goal over the stranded Gerry Peyton from 30 yards. Ray Pratt scored a simple 66th minute clincher.
From the Sunday Express 

Summary 
Southend surrendered their unbeaten form record when they were beaten 3-0 by Exeter despite dominating the game. The man they can blame for their defeat was Exeter 'keeper Bond, who made a series of dazzling saves. Bottom of the table Exeter slogged away grimly for their second away win of the season at the expense of sad Southend's undefeated home record.