Exeter City v Northampton 
VICTORY AT LAST: GRECIANS VERY GOOD VALUE FOR IT

Cameron & Purcell Score Match Winning Goals

Saturday, September 15th 1928.

EXETER CITY (Cameron Purcell) 2

NORTHAMPTON TOWN 0

Referee:- Mr E. Beards, of Wolverhampton.

Exeter City: Campbell; Lowton and Miller; Phoenix, Pool, and Clarke; Purcell, McDevitt, Cameron, Houghton, and Death.

Northampton:- Hammond; Watson and Brett; Wilson, Maloney, and Odell;
Harrington, Smith, Bowen, Hoten, and Wells.

MR. WILSON SIGNS BILLY DEATH FOR EXETER

Exeter City's dramatic signing last evening of William Death, the strong and speedy reserve outside-left of Sunderland, who has been with the Wearsiders for five seasons, has kindled fresh interest in the doings of the Grecians. Death travelled South from Sunderland through the night in company with the City manager, Mr "Dave" Wilson, and on reaching Exeter at 9 o'clock today went to bed for a few hours' rest before turning out for his new club against the "Cobblers" this afternoon. The urgency of Mr Wilson's mission may be gauged from the facts that Kirk's agreement has been cancelled in consequences of his action at Birmingham last week-end, and that Doncaster, the reserve left-winger, is unfit to play due to the effects of a wasp sting in his left arm.

One Point Per Match.

Starting the season with great hopes of promotion, Northampton have secured only one point per match on average so far, and for this their manager, Mr Jack Tresadern, the old West Ham and Burnley International, blames the dry grounds. The Cobblers have always been a big attraction at Exeter, but have not won at the "Park" during the last five campaigns, and in view of Exeter's urgent need of points it was hoped locally that again today Northampton would have to return empty-handed. On Thursday the Cobblers beat Kettering 4-0 in the final tie of the "Maunsel Cup." Six thousand people assembled in beautiful weather to see the play. McDevitt lost the toss and Exeter had to face the sun in the opening half. There was a special ovation for the new Grecian as the players lined up for the start. The City opened brightly and were awarded a free kick too near the penalty area for Northampton to feel comfortable. Purcell took the kick and the ball went to Death, whose shot struck the side netting. Maloney's advantage in height was a big advantage to him in his tussles with Cameron for the ball in the air, but now, when Houghton gained possession there was a delightfully quick left wing movement which Death wound up with a sharp cross-shot which missed by so little that the spectators gasped. Exeter were playing their best football of the season so far, and McDevitt's skilful scheming was their chief asset, although Houghton impressed with some very neat work, and Death had already shown that he has some powerful shots
in his locker.

After nearly a quarter of an hour Northampton made their first attack, but Miller came across in support of Lowton, and cleared. Wells damaged his leg and was carried off the field. He returned after eight minutes' absence. In twenty-nine minutes Exeter scored, the goal being the reward of a clever move between Houghton and McDevitt. Houghton then passed forward to Cameron, who coaxed the ball round Brett, and as Hammond advanced slipped the leather nicely into the net. In subsequent play Campbell saved from Hoten, the shot being taken from outside the penalty area, and a header by Houghton at the other end was punched out by Hammond.

Half-time: City 1 Northampton 0.

Pool's energy and skill stood Exeter in good stead when the Cobblers launched an all-out assault early in the second half. He later checked Wells with one of his typical "sliding" tackles on the edge of the City penalty area. The Cobblers were making tremendous efforts to equalise, and their persistent attacks required watching. Miller and Lowton continued to play very soundly,
however, and Campbell was not seriously troubled.

Purcell from Houghton's pass put the ball over the bar from an easy position, but made amends at the end of fifteen minutes' play when he beat Hammond with a beautifully directed cross-shot all along the ground, which the goalkeeper had no hope of reaching. Campbell was applauded for good saves from Bowen and Harrington, but the City easily maintained their lead to the end, and whenever Northampton attacked the scoring attempts of Bowen were so wild that they all missed the goal.

Notes on the Game.

The football played by Exeter today took the spectators back in memory to the palmy days of the club last season. There was the same thoughtful scheming, the same delightful combination between all departments of the team, and the same enthusiasm. McDevitt and Houghton were in dazzling form in the forward line, both making the ball work wonders. Billy Death made a very successful debut considering he was in the train all last night.

Western League
TORQUAY UNITED RESERVES 0 EXETER CITY RESERVES 0.

This Western League match was played at Plainmoor in glorious weather. The game, however, lacked any stimulating feature, and there was little to choose between two unconvincing sides. Holland played well in goal for Exeter.