18th December 1967
FA Cup 1st Round 2nd

Nuneaton Borough v Exeter City 

Played at Ashton Gate, Bristol

BANKS BOMB
Nuneaton braves dive to defeat

By JOHN DAVIES :
Nuneaton Borough 0 Exeter City 1

F.A. Cup-first round, second replay: At Ashton Gate

EXETER'S Alan Banks ended the three-match stalemate with Southern League Nuneaton last night when he headed the only goal of the tie eight minutes from time at Bristol City's ground. The goal earns Exeter a money-spinning second round tie at home to Third Division leaders Walsall. But it was a gallant fight by Nuneaton, who were roared on by two out of every three supporters in the 5,000 crowd. Nuneaton were greeted at the start with a crescendo of "Boro-Boro-Boro" from the Southern League side's fans. But it was Exeter who first set the pulses racing when Banks flashed a left-foot shot against the post after a slick move between right-winger Micky Fudge and Campbell Crawford. Ten minutes later Nuneaton created an equally creditable chance when centre forward Tony Richards beat Exeter 'keeper John Smout to a cross from Norman Ashe. But the ball skimmed just over the bar. Nuneaton's approach football was much more versatile. They attacked all the way and the only doubt seemed to be whether the part-timers could keep up the tremendous pace in the boggy, energy-sapping conditions. Another Richards header 10 minutes before half-time tested 'keeper Smout. Apart from the early miss by Banks, the only other chance made by Exeter in the first half finished with Nuneaton right back Alan Jones heading off the line.
Incredible
Corr, who scored two goals on his debut for Exeter last Saturday, was celebrating his 21st birthday. Nuneaton continued to play the more open football after the interval. Exeter skipper Johnny Newman and his defenders hardly dared to break from their deep defen sive formation. Centre forward Richards blasted another shot just high, and then came two incredible misses by Exeter. Banks was the culprit on both occasions. His first close range shot was beaten down by keeper Crump, and seconds later a low 20-yarder hit a post. But those boobs were all for given in the 81st minute as he went up high to score off Corr's centre.

NUNEATON, Crump; Jones, Hope, Watts, Aston, Hill, Ashe, Cutler, Richards, Allen, Smith. Sub: Wright.

EXETER. Smout: Embery, Smyth, Blain, Newman, Huxford, Fudge, Banks, Curtis, Crawford, Corr. Sub: Balson.