EXETER CITY NORTHAMPTON 

Played at St James's Park, Exeter,
on Saturday, February 19th, 1927.

There was a big surprise in store for the spectators at St. James's Park today. It was announced that as Charlton was a victim of influenza, the left position would be filled by Miller, who in the reserve team has been waiting back throughout the season for a chance in the City "chiefs." Fate, however, ruled against the former Plymouth Argyle man, for he had to report yesterday that he had himself caught the 'flu, and must lie up. Pollard being still unavailable, Charlton turned out in his usual position and so maintained his "ever-present" record.
Another late change related to the Cobblers' team. Walden had travelled with the party from Northampton, but it was announced on the ground that he was suffering from a touch of the flu, and could not play. The visitors introduced T.C.Wells, a newcomer from the Arsenal, at outside left in place of Gunnell, who moved over to Walden's berth. The match conditions were ideal, and six thousand spectators saw the kick off.

Exeter City.
Randall; Lowton and Charlton; Pullan, Ditchburn, and Walker; Purcell, McDevitt, Blackmore, Lievesley, and Compton.

Northampton Town.
Hammond; Brett, and Jeffs; Allen, Maloney, and Hoten; Gunnell, Robinson, Groome, Cockle, and Wells.

Referee: Mr F.W.Reeve, of Devonport.

Charlton beat Brett with the coin, and the Grecians occupied the St James's Road end to begin with. Exeter City deserved the points, taking the game all through, but they were very lucky to cross over at half-time leading by two goals. Yet all the Northampton pressure in the opening period had been countered remarkably by the Exeter backs and Randall, who was in brilliant form between the sticks. In the second half it was the turn of the Northampton goal to bear a charmed and lucky life. It escaped so often, and even more sensationally than Exeter's had done in the early play. It was altogether a very bright and interesting match, with the City half backs showing a marked improvement as a line, and Blackmore in dashing form as leader of the attack.
Blackmore opened the scoring after twenty minutes with a flashing cross following neat combination by McDevitt and Purcell. shot Lowton added the second goal from the penalty spot in the thirty second minute, Compton having been unfairly brought down by Brett. Early in the second half Groome broke through in the centre, and scored, first off the goalpost, then Randall's hands. Three minutes before the finish Exeter swarmed all round the visiting goal, and a strong attack was rounded off by Blackmore with a fierce shot into the top of the net, off of one of the Cobblers' backs, and in the very last minute Wells scored for Northampton. The game all the way through was abundant with thrills and missed chances, and the spectators had their money's worth.


Western League
POOLE 4 EXETER CITY RESERVES 1.

A crowd of about two hundred people witnessed the game at Poole in connection with the Western League.
Poole attacked at the outset on the right, and Garratt was compelled to concede a corner. Williams headed goalwards for Bailey to clear smartly. After six minutes' play the home side registered their first goal, Williams finding the net but only at the second attempt, Bailey have repelled his first shot. Exeter looked a very small team against Poole, and were inclined to be somewhat hasty in their attacking methods, this being the cause of Phoenix missing the best chance so far of equalising. Phoenix later was unlucky with a header that went just over the bar. Poole's second goal came after half an hour's play, Williams beating Bailey with a lovely low shot. Lowson scored Poole's third goal, and Phoenix reduced the lead almost on the
stroke of half-time.

Second Half.
The most promising attempt Exeter had yet made to score came at the opening of the second half from the left wing, when Phoenix was just a little too high with a fast shot. Exeter showed plenty of determination, and the home defence was certainly more harassed in this half. At the other end Bailey had to endure an anxious quarter of an hour, in which he effected several fine saves. Poole's fourth goal came in a curious manner. The game was stopped because of an infringement, and Exeter apparently thought that they had been awarded a free kick. The referee instead dropped the ball, and C.Brown, taking advantage of an evident misunderstanding, raced down on the right wing and centred to Williams, who scored. At the end Poole were still attacking.

• Bob Pollard's Benefit Match.
  Bolton Wanderers have intimated officially to Exeter City that they will send down their best possible team on March 30th to play the Grecians, in a match for the benefit of Bob Pollard, the City right-back, now in his seventh season as a "Grecian." If Dick Pym plays there is sure to be a big crowd at St James's Park on that day.