SATURDAY 11th NOVEMBER 1995.

F.A. Cup First Round.
(sponsored by Littlewoods Pools)

EXETER CITY 0
PETERBOROUGH UNITED 1

You couldn't fault the Grecians for effort, but despite enjoying a lot of the attacking play, they were once again lacking in front of goal. A string of crosses frum left and right were al wasted. Winger Marin Philips was once again in superb form, shrugging off all the speculation regarding a possible move to Manchester City, as he was a constant threat to the Paterborough defence.

The goal that won the tie came alter just ten minutes when a Kevin Ashley cross was flicked on by Gary Martindale for the unmarked Neil LeBihan to sidefoot home. City had enough of the following 30 minutes to have not only equalised, but also to have taken the lead with Mark Gavin, Richard Pears and Phillips all creating space and chances. Ten minutes before the break Peter Fox was forced to briliantly tip away a Marcus Ebon drive, but that was really the only time that the Gracians were in any trouble.

The second half belonged to Exeter as they pushed forward continually. The visiting defence were well organised, with Gary Breen leading the way, and despite all their pressure City really only created one clear cut opportunity when Robbie Tumer headed over from ten yards. The Posh did create one chance themselves when City were all pushed up in attack, with Gary Martindale rounding Fox but passing his shot wide of an empty net.

Had Exeter had someone capable of putting the ball in the net then there was little doubt that they would have been in the draw for the Second Round and not Peterbomagh. The team's effort was to be applauded, but sadly that does not win matches unless you have someone with the kiler instinct in front of goal. Darren Hughes made a sound home debut for the Gracians.

Two unusual incidents of note were the replacement of a linesman in the second half by the fourth official and the sight of Peterborough introducing all three of their substitutes a fa same time with just minutes of the be remaining. 

Teams:

EXETER CITY:
Peter Fox, Neil Parsley. Darren Hughes. Frut Buckle, Ncel Blake, Jan Richardson, Mark Gavin, Danny Bailey (Colin Anderson 75h). Richard Pears (Matthew Hare 52nd). Mark Came (Robbie Turner 50th). Martin Philips

PETERBOROUGH UNITED: 
Ian Sheffield, Kevin Ashley, Simon Clark Marcus Ehron, Gary Breen, Greg Heald, David Gregory, Nel LeBihan (Stan Farrell 87th). Gary Martindale (Andrew Furnell 87th). Lee Power (Los Williams 87), Greg Ruch

Scorer: Peterborough: Le Bihan

Attendance: 3,753.