Bristol Rovers 0-1 ECFC

FA Cup 5th Qualifying Round Replay

EXETER CITY WIN CUP REPLAY

Rovers Beaten at Bristol:
A Fine Achievement

Wednesday, December 5th,
At Stapleton Road, Eastville, Bristol.

DETAILS

Bristol Rovers 0 Exeter City 1 Davis.

Referee:- Mr Crossley, of Wolverhampton.

ROVERS:- Whatley; Armitage, and Haydon; Rose, Furniss, and Walton;
Chance, Phillips, Woodhall, Whatmore, and Pattison.

CITY:
Bailey; Coleburne, and Charlton; Hunter, McIntosh, and Gilchrist; Matthews, Kirk, Davis, Gallogley, and Shelton.

Attendance 7,000.

DESCRIPTION

Exeter City, at the second attempt, proved successful in their bid to overcome Bristol Rovers in the fifth qualifying round of the English Cup, and so will meet Sittingbourne, a Kent League Club, at Sittingbourne, in the last of the preliminary rounds.

The City forced the pace at the commencement, and after the game had been in progress for only five minutes Davis scored what proved to be the winning goal.

Rain fell in Bristol throughout Tuesday and continued for most of Wednesday morning, and the ground was as heavy as it could be consistent with possible playing conditions. Large crowds of Exeter City supporters could be seen about the streets of Bristol during the morning, and at the actual game the familiar red and white colours of the Grecians were prominent, but it was not until Davis scored his goal that the full measure of the City's support could be gauged.

The goal came about in this way. Matthews initiated one of his characteristic touch-line runs and crossed the ball accurately on the muddy pitch to the feet of Davis, who tricked two defenders, and taking steady aim, drove the leather into the top left hand corner of the net.

Haydon was at fault letting Davis elude him, but there is no doubt that Exeter quite deserved their lead, although play had only been in progress such a brief period when it was obtained. Straight away from the kick off the City had adopted forceful tactics, intent apparently on an early goal, and their manoeuvre having succeeded, they never lost their grip on the game.

BAILEY WELL ABOVE THE AVERAGE

Midway through the first half Exeter's defence was subjected to a long spell of pressure, and sorely troubled, but this only gave proof of its sterling qualities, and in particular that Bailey is well above the average of goalkeepers.

Exeter City, as a team, played just that kind of football which might carry them far in the Cup competition. They cleverly varied their game and made use of a few unorthodox methods, Gallogley and Hunter in particular keeping the Rovers defenders guessing by their ability to switch the point of attack.

It would be difficult to criticise the play of individuals, so perfect was the understanding of each member of the team. They were much the smarter side, keener and quicker on the ball than Bristol, who played disappointingly after the good impression they created in the first match.

The game by no means reached the near perfect standard of last Saturday's contest at St James's Park, but it was keen and sporting, and excellently refereed by Mr A.E. Caseley, of Wolverhampton, who officiated instead of Mr Russell of Swindon.

RECEPTION FOR THE PLAYERS

There were several representatives of the Sittingbourne club, Exeter City's next opponents, present, and they, like the most of the crowd, admitted that the best team won and that the final score by no means flattered the Grecians.

On arrival at Exeter the City players had a rousing reception from a large crowd which had gathered in High Street, and loudly cheered the winners of the tie. The progress through the principal streets was a triumphal one.