AUTOGLASS TROPHY SOUTHERN QUARTER FINAL

Wednesday 17th February 1993.

A quite amazing performance by an Exeter City side that had been decimated by injuries and suspensions prior to the game. Alan Ball had to draft the teenagers into the squad, which contained just one player, Scott Daniels, who had cost the club a transfer fee! It was the Grecians first appearance at Brighton's Goldstone Ground for 27 years, and it proved to triumphant return.

Brighton had their chances early on but failed to take them. Robert Codner in particular was guilty of a bad miss when he headed over the crossbar when well placed. Clive Walker had another effort well saved by City keeper Kevin Miller. Loan signing from Bristol City, Jim McIntyre, had a lively game and twice went narrowly close to opening City's account in the first half. Eamonn Dolan was also unlucky when Brighton keeper Mark Beeney did well to block the strikers shot. It was not all Exeter by any means, and early in the second half Miller made two important saves as the home team came more and more into the game. City were forced back on the defensive as Brighton looked for the vital goal. Codner got the ball in the Exeter net, but his effort was ruled out because Kurt Nogan was standing in an offside position. Miller was again called into action to deny the on-rushing Codner, and Stuart Munday shot wide of the City goal when he should have done better. But it was Exeter who shocked the meagre home crowd by taking the lead after 76 minutes. The Brighton defence failed to clear a corner taken by John Hodge, and the ball fell to Scott Daniels twenty five yards out. The City defender's well struck shot took a deflection to sail into the net for the only goal of the game and put the Grecians into the Autoglass Trophy semi-final.

ALAN BALL'S COMMENTS:
"I came to Brighton expecting absolutely nothing with five senior players out, and another on the subs bench with a hamstring problem. But in football you sometimes surprises get and a bunch of lads have come in and done a man's job. I cannot praise my players enough. The players are all thrilled with this result and I am absolutely delighted for my babies. The side is made up of home grown players and free transfers with only Scott Daniels costing a fee. But I was particularly pleased with 19 year old Toby Redwood who had a terrific game at centre half, and Craig Taylor.

Brighton & Hove Albion:
Mark Beeney, Stuart Munday, Ian Chapman, Dean Wilkins, Paul McCarthy, Steve Foster, John Crumplin, Matthew Edwards, Kurt Nogan, Robert Codner, Clive Walker. Subs: Andy Kennedy for Crumplin (88th min).

Exeter City:
Kevin Miller, Scott Hiley, Dave Cooper, Danny Bailey, Scott Daniels, Toby Redwood, Alan Tonge, Craig Taylor, Eamonn Dolan, Jim McIntyre, John Hodge.

Brighton and Hove Albion 0 

Exeter City 1.
Daniels 76

Attendance: 1,875

Referee: David Frampton (Poole)