EXIT POSH AT EXETER
-RE-ELECTION LOOMS

EXETER 1 PETERBOROUGH O

PETERBOROUGH United are in deep re-election trouble after their narrow defeat against Exeter City last night. They were beaten by a goal from full-back Jim McNichol in the 54th minute of a dull and scrappy game. The Exeter skipper unleashed an unstoppable shot from the edge of the penalty area, giving goalkeeper Eric McManus no chance. Fittingly for a defender who decided this undistinguished scrap, McNichol's strike was one of only three on target in the entire match. The other two were from Peterborough defenders Wakeley Gage and Trevor Slack but neither really troubled Exeted goalkeeper John Shaw.

Peterborough defended solidly with six-footers Gage, Slack and John Wile blocking up the middle fairly effectively against an unimaginative Exeter attack. Right-back Alan Paris made countless winning runs down the flank to support the shot-shy attack and Martin Pike prompted thoughtfully from midfield but there was never any real penetration. The sterile first half saw Shaw gather a dipping Gage shot comfortably and McManus dealt confidently with a few useful Exeter crosses. The only other notable incident was a booking for Exeter left back Keith Viney for fouling Errington Kelly who was replaced by Trevor Quow for the start of the second half. There was brief hope of success for Peterborough soon after the restart. Gage sent an overhead kick just over the bar and Greig Shepherd lashed a shot on the run narrowly wide. But hope receded when McNichol broke the deaclock, thrashing the ball home off McManus' right-hand post. In a late, defiant burst, Gage surged forward once more for another off-target effort and Slack popped a shot into Shaw's waiting arms. There was no way back, however, and Saturday's home clash with Cambridge United-one place and two points below - takes on an even-more crucial meaning.

Final Score 
Exeter. 1 Peterborough 0

Fourth Division 19.3.86

Exeter-
Shaw, Harrower, Viney, McNichol, McCaffery, Marker, Ling, Johnson, Ward, Keough, Crawford. Sub: Jackson, not used.

Peterborough
McManus, Paris, Pike, Collins, Slack, Gage, Wile, Fuccillo, Shepherd, Gallagher, Kelly. Sub: Quow for Kelly (45).

Attendance: 1,460

Referee: John Martin of Alton.

Goals-
Exeter,
McNichol (54).

Booked
Exeter
Viney for foul on Kelly (40).