EXETER CITY lost their unbeaten record at St James's Park-it had stretched to 10 games-this afternoon, when they were beaten 1-0 by Fourth Division leaders Notts County. The game was watched by Exeter's biggest home crowd of the season- 6,093. Notts' goal came in the 26th minute when Richie Barker scored after a shot by Les Bradd had rebounded off Exeter player-manager John Newman.

There were no late changes in the Exeter side which meant that player-manager John New- man was at centre-half and that leading scorer Joe Gadston was at centre-forward. Notts County, unbeaten in eight matches this season, were at full strength, being unchanged for the fourth successive game. Notts showed the early initiative, moving forward with determination and in style. But when Exeter went forward, Giles put in a shot which Watling took low down at the near post. Then both sides were caught offside as they tried to forage an opening. Crawford ran well on the right and pushed the ball well ahead of him, but he was out- numbered and could not get over his cross from a tight situation. Good work by Banks was carried on by Gadston whose hard, low cross was almost met by Giles. Then Corr drove over a good cross, and Banks came sliding in, only to just miss connecting with the ball. After 14 minutes, Gadston fed Banks, whose tremendous shot was brilliantly saved by Watling. Then Gadston neatly cut inside and hammered a shot which was deflected for a corner. At this stage Exeter were on top, and with a little fortune might have been in front. Banks made a fine run from deep inside his own half and fed Corr. The winger won a free-kick, but it was cleared. Then Oakes had a opening, but headed wide. clear More good work by Banks gave Exeter a free-kick on the right, but when the cross came over, the City were penalised. But the City defence were slack in allowing Oakes to run free on the right for a throw in, and from his cross the ball was scrambled off the line. But in the 26th minute, Notts went ahead. A Notts player was left free mid-way inside the City half, his shot rebounded off an Exeter player, and BARKER made no mistake with his shot. After beating his man, Corr was badly brought down in rugby-style by Brindley. The referee gave Exeter a free-kick, and from it Banks's header was scrambled clear. Then Corr's shot hit the post following a good Rowan cross from the right. Away went Banks, but out came Watling to smother his shot. At this stage, Exeter had the opportunities-two at least, but they were still behind.

Half-time:  Exeter City 0, Notts County 1.

Twice there was panic in the Notts defence early in the second-half, but each time they cleared. At the other end Bradd hooked his shot high over the bar from a few yards out. Then Rowan was heavily brought down on the right, but his free-kick was just too strong for Balson. Again Rowan was fowled, but this time his cross short. was too While Exeter waited to take corner, Crickmore needed a treatment in the City penalty area. He was helped off for attention, but soon came back on again. Rowan came in for more trouble from Worthington, and this time the full-back was booed. From the free-kick, Balson powered in a strong header, but straight at Watling. Good running by Newman from a throw-in gave him space, and his short was deflected just over the bar. Exeter badly neded a goal as time ran out, but it was Notts who came nearest to second when Balson blocked a tremendous drive fron Massan. Balson, as a result, needed treatment, but soon resumed. Up went Newman for a corner, but he put his header over the top. Then Rowan cut inside from the right and went down in the penalty area when under pressure. There were cries for a penalty from the crowd, but the referee ignored appeals. From a quick Notts break, Bradd crossed well into the Exeter penalty area where Crawford saved Exeter by hammering the ball away off Baker's feet. A good effort by Gadston on the turn was only a fraction off target but in the second half Exeter, in general, were not looking as dangerous as in the first half. Bradd should have put Notts further in front in the 85th minute. A cross beat Shearing; Bradd took the ball around the goalkeeper and then put his shot into the side netting. Everyone was in the Notts half for a Crawford cross, but he wasted it by putting the ball behind from a good position.

Attendance 6,093.

The teams

EXETER CITY: Shearing: Crawford. Blain:Parker,
Newman, Balson; Rowan. Banks, Gadston. Giles, Corr. Sub.: Wingate.

NOTTS COUNTY: Watling: Brindley, Worthington; Oakes. Nickson, Needham, Bradd, Stubbs, Barker. Masson, Crickmore.

Sub. : Jones.

Referee .: M. Kerkhof (Bicester).