SATURDAY 19th APRIL 1902,

St Sidwell's United v Exeter United
Friendly 

St Sidwell's United 2,
Robinson; Camble, Hood; Avery, Mann, Peters; Coles, Eveleigh, Thomas, Sellick, Bates,
Exeter United 3,
Bolley; Maunder, Luke; Harvey, Bailey, Wallage; Ashford, Jesty, Tyte, Hogan, Horner,

Scorers
St Sidwells Bates, Eveleigh,
Exeter United Tyte, Jesty,

This match played on the ground of St Sidwell's United at Blackboy Road in fine but windy weather, where there was a large crowd of spectators to witness with what sort of success the champions of the Junior League would match themselves with the United, who certainly have more football in them than any other team in the City. The United started the game under most favourable auspices for there was an easy slant down to their opponents goal, and a good wind in their favour besides, They were not slow to make use of their advantages, for within threeminutes of the kick off, a splendid bout of passing and a swift rush culminated in a goal by Tyte. This seemed ominous of victory, but St Sidwells were determined not to let it be. Within another three minutes the junior team had returned the compliment per Bates, whose shot brought about a beautiful goal from a quick centre by Eveleigh, But the rest of the half was undoubtedly in the hands of the United, who by dint of superior combination kept the play on the Saints side of the ground and the ball perilously near goal. Jesty and Tyte scored, and the first half resulted in the United 3 St Sidwells 1, 

In the 2nd half the Saints played with increased vigour and their forwards chivied the ball down the slope many times, only to find that Maunder and Luke were well nigh impassable, Several brilliant rushed were ingloriously checkedby Maunder and Luke, who noted both for their accurate kicking, fed their forwards splendidly. St Sidwells, however eventually augmented their score by one goal from Eveleigh, the final score being 3-2 in favour of the United,

From Alex Wilson's unpublished work. 

19/04/1902

St Sidwell's v Exeter United First X1  

Scorers Sellick, Luke (og)  

St Sidwell's Team:  Robinson, Flood, Campbell, Avery, Mann,  Peters, Coles, Eveleigh, Thomas, Sellick Bates

WESTERN TIMES Monday 21 April 1902

(From the British Newspaper Archive.)

“A good deal of interest was centred on the match between St Sidwells Utd and Exeter United on Saturday on the formers ground. On the first occasion the Seniors won 3-2, though it was alleged that the winning goal was then scored after time.

There was no excuse on saturday however for the Saints were on their own ground and had their own referee.

The Saints were fairly and squarely beaten on all points of the game and the record which they held of not having lost during the current season been defeated on their own ground was broken. In the first half playing down the hill, the Exeter United men had matters all their own way, and scored three times through Tyte 2 and Jesty. Sellick replied with one for the Saints. All the Exeter goals were the result of superior combinations.

During the last few weeks the forwards have shown praiseworthy improvements in this department. The backs too were in fine form, Bailey as usual being most prominent both in defence and attack.

The champions of the Junior League relied a good deal on rushing tactics, but these were of no avail against the visiting halves and backs, and they rarely had an opportunity of getting close to their opponents goal.

They however scored once in a fluky manner the ball going in off Luke. A regrettable incident occured towards the end of the game. Robinson was bouncing the ball after a kick out, when he was charged by Tyte.

The goalkeeper replied by kicking the Exeter centre forward. Flood also took part in the affair and the players closed, blows being struck. The referee and some of the players however prevented further disturbance, but the referee ought to have ordered off at least a couple of the men concerned.”