MATCHES POSTPONED

With the British Isles still in winter's icy grip most of the rugby and soccer matches down for decision on February 18th were called off. The list of cancelled fixtures included the one at Fratton Park, the ground of the Portsmouth club, where Exeter City were due. The weather forecast for the South of England is "Sunny intervals and scattered snow, widespread frost, very cold, maximum temp 34F."

City Reserves Lose

Mangotsfield v Exeter City Reserves

February 25th 1978

Exeter found themselves on the defensive in the early stages of their Western League game at Mangotsfield and they almost conceded a goal in the first minute, but Curtis failed to connect in the penalty area. A minute later Ford put the City defence in trouble with a mistimed clearance. Key saved well from Nutt, who was later off target with a fierce 20 yards drive that sailed well wide. In Exeter's first attack Ingham gained a corner, but the flag kick by Hodge was cleared. Exeter replied with a further series of corners, Williams saving well from Forbes and Ireland. They were now having a greater share of the game, and Jennings was prominent with several fine runs down the left wing.

Exeter's best scoring chance fell to Jennings, when put through by Forbes, but he shot straight at Williams, who then made a brilliant acrobatic save from a 20 yards' shot from Forbes. Curtis and Bailey scored for Mangotsfield, who led at half time by 2 goals to nil. Exeter reduced their arrears in the second half, the final score being

Mangotsfield United 2 Exeter City Reserves 1.

The Exeter  City team was:-

Key; Hartnell and Ford; Skinner, Smythe, and Forbes; Hodge, Ireland, Ingham, White, and Jennings.