Cooper hears trap creak under Exeter

Exeter City 0 Barnet 0.

Tuesday 29 March 1994.

Referee: Mr E. Parker 

Attendance 2269

Report by Gordon Hines

MANAGER Terry Cooper effectively conceded deleat in Exeter City's battle against the Division Two trap-door after last night's feeble goal-less draw with basement guests Barnet.

The furious St James' Park chief, who has made eight signings in his eight weeks back at the club, was already planning another close-season clearout as his side sank deeper in the dirt.

"Abysmal," stormed Cooper afterwards. "I'm 50 this year and I'd have shown more enthusiasm than half that lot. I'll put it right eventually but I may have to wheel and deal in the summer to do it."

City, beaten 2-1 at Barnet a week ago, scarcely threatened to avenge that defeat and provide some cheer for the 2,269 crowd, City's lowest league gate of the season.

And, with relegation rivals Cardiff and Huddersfield both winning 1-0 against Rotherham and 2-1 at Bournemouth respectively Exeter's lifeline is rapidly disappearing. 1 can't defend that performance and I won't try to," said Cooper. "It was frightening. We had pro- fessional footballers out thers who couldn't control the ball, let alone pass it.

"I thought Barnal were a better team than us. To be honest, I wanted to go home at half-time. We would have done better staying at home and watching television."