PORTSMOUTH field the strongest team for this Third Division South game against Exeter at Fratton Park. Parker, their new centre-half from Luton Town, was making his debut, and Cherrett replaced Alf Strange in attack. Exeter, meanwhile, struggling near the foot of the table, were unchanged.

Ellis Crompton won the toss and City had the wind and sun at their backs in the first half. Pompey kicked-off but were quickly dispossessed and Alf Matthews made progress down the right before being checked by Parker.

After 16 minutes, Portsmouth went ahead through Cherrett, who hammered home a hard, low shot from close range. Five minutes later, however, Exeter drew level when Crockford cut out an opening from which Jazzo Kirk scored a picture-book goal.

Exeter were now playing delightful football and forced several corners in a game which was being played at a fast pace, due partly to the hard ground. Ten minutes before half-time, Portsmouth regained the lead. The ball was flashed from wing to wing until Cherrett got his chance and beat Pavey with a brilliant hooked shot into the roof of the net. Not to be outdone, Exeter got back on the attack and Crockford fed John Dockray, who rounded Probert before planting a perfect centre into the goalmouth. Newton got to the ball but Kirk followed up and charged the goalkeeper, the ball dropping over the line to put City back on terms.

There was plenty of excitement in the second half. Pompey should have regained the lead in the first minute, but Cherrett hesitated and was bundled off the ball. Then Kirk broke away and completed his hat-trick.

A curling shot from Shankly was misjudged by Pavey to give Portsmouth their third goal and once more the scores were level. Yet again City pushed forward and this time they found the winning goal. Again, Kirk was the scorer. Dockray's centre was headed on by Crockford and Kirk found the net with another terrific drive. At the same time he carved a niche for himself in Exeter City folklore by becoming the first of their players to get as many as four goals in a single League match.

Portsmouth: Newton; Probert, Quinn, Abbott, Parker, Martin, Meikle, Shankley, 

Exeter City: Pavey; Pollard, Ackroyd, Coopland, Mitton, Crompton, Matthews,

Cherrett, Watson, Beedie.

Kirk, Crockford, Davis, Dockray.

Referee: H.C.Curtis (Chingford)

Attendance: 6,000