Pop goes Exeter 

CARLISLE UNITED 3,
EXETER CITY 2

EXETER were sunk last night by a hat-trick from Carlisle's veteran striker, Pop Robson.

The former Sunderland and West Ham player reached a milestone in his career last night. For his first goal against Exeter was the 250th of his long career.

But it was Exeter who opened the scoring after 17 minutes when Ray Pratt dived low at the near post to head a Tony Kellow cross inside the woodwork, just out of reach of 'keeper Trevor Swinburne. Carlisle, the Division Three leaders, piled on the pressure and the scoreline frankly flattered Exeter,& who for long spells never looked dangerous.

Only a minute after the opening goal Carlisle came close when Tom Ritchie headed just wide. Full-back Martin Rogers, who was later booked,was the lynchpin of a defence that at times looked extremely shaky. Exeter packed their penalty area as United pushed forward again and again. Even 'keeper lan Main looked unsettled at times, punching the ball away dangerously. Later he recovered his composure and became a pillar of strength.

But after the 27th minute Carlisle's non-stop attacks paid off. Gordon Stanforth roared in to the City goalmouth to have his powerful shot blocked by Main. but the rebound rolled to Robson on the right, who rifled the ball from 20 yards out. The shot hit John Sparrow and was detected over the line. However, it must be said that Robson's shot was destined to end up with a goal. The ball was on target for the corner. The ecstatic Brunton Park crowd gave a standing ovation to mark Robson's 250th goal. No sooner had the cheers died down than he scored again, blasting a low cross home from ten yards out. Exeter looked dangerous in the 37th minute when Kellow fired across for Peter Hatch, but Robson raced in to clear the danger. The ball rolled to Paul Giles, who blasted the ball over the top.

After the restart Carlisle dominated again. But Main remained cool and kept the Cumbrians at bay until the 70th minute when 36-year-old Robson completed his hat-trick. From a Tommy Craig corner Jack Ashurst sent a well-placed cross in front of goal for Robson to score at the far post with a superb diving header. Four minutes later Giles pressed forward for Exeter, but Swinburne collected his high shot at the far post. Exeter's frustration at defeat after five wins and a draw in the last six games began to show. Rogers was booked for hacking down midfieldman Craig. As  Carlisle began to relax with the final whistle only seconds away John Delve grabbed City's consolation second goal. The powerful striker sprinted on to a well-placed cross to drive the ball home as the defence stood bewildered.

Attendance: 5.220.


Plymouth Argyle 2 Exeter City 2
20th April 1982

ARGYLE looked well on the way to defeat with only ten minutes left in this South-West and Wales Youth Leages match at Home Park last night.

But two goals within a minute earned them a deserved point in an entertaining game. Rob Marker, Exeter's 17- year-old striker, had put away two first-half goals and City's back four, all apprentices, looked very much in command. Argyle never gave up fighting. though. Tony Dennis headed in a corner on the left, and straight from the restart Richard Tomlin notched the equaliser. Exeter were obviously shaken by the Argyle revival but fought back and in the closing stages only two good saves by Peter Shepherd in the Argyle goal kept out the winner for the visitors.

PF