Gateshead-born Martin Golightly appeared for Exeter City in the Southern League during 1912/13. Arriving from Gateshead he later became player-manager of Bideford. 

Before becoming a professional Martin was a fireman on the North Eastern Railway. Starting with St Vincent’s in Gateshead he moved on to Fatfield before signing for Gateshead in the North Eastern League where he scored 19 goals in 1911/12. 

It was from Gateshead that Martin made the move south to link up with Exeter City in the summer of 1912 as a 21 year old with a goalscoring reputation. Making his debut at Upton Park against West Ham United in a Southern League fixture in September 1912, he soon lost his place in the team and wasn't recalled until the final four matches of the campaign. He was leading scorer with the reserves netting at least 13 goals (although in some games the goal scorers are not recorded)

Martin left Exeter at the end of the season and became player-manager of Bideford ahead of becoming trainer at Grimsby Town in 1920/21.

Remaining in the Grimsby area, Martin Golightly died in Cleethorpes in 1953.