SATURDAY 19th AUGUST 1996.

THIRD DIVISION.

HARTLEPOOL UNITED 0
EXETER CITY 0.

Four and half hours of competitive football and no goals scored. But Exeter City at least collected their welcome point of the season in another goaless draw, this time at

Hartlepool United. They once again employed a five man back line and as in the Torquay game soaked up a good deal of pressure. Perhaps the pleasing thing so far this season is the fact that City are not conceding goals at the alarming rate of last term, just one goal against prior to this fixture.

Little was seen of the Exeter attack in the first half with Hartlepool virtually camped in and around the City penalty area. Peter Fox was again kept busy, although despite all their pressure the home side didn't seriously threaten too often. There was one cocasion when three shots were blocked in quick succession and Pool's Steve Howard hit the post. The introduction of Russell Coughlin at half time made a difference to Chy. as the midfelder started to spray the ball around in his typical precision passing style. City had a couple of goal attempts after the break a shot from the edge of the area from Coughlin, and a Robbie Turner effort which was saved low down by Brian Horne

If Exeter could start to look more convincing in attack, then with the much improved delence, they will undoubtedly start to pick up points.

Teams:

HARTLEPOOL UNITED:
Brian Horne, Danny Ingram, Sean McAuley Peter Billing, Ian McGuckin, Steve Howard Chris Lynch (Keith Houchen-83) Mick Tait, Damien Henderson, Steve Halliday, Tony Canham.

EXETER CITY:
Peter Fox, Parsley Gary Rice, Mark Cooper Noel Blake Jon Richardson, Mark Chamberlain (Martin Philips 76) Danny Bailey, Mark Came, Robbie Turner, Mark Gavin (Russe Couglin 45)

Subs not used: Pears

Referee: Eddie Wolstenholme

Attendance: 2.311.