CITY'S SPLENDID OPENING TO CHRISTMAS SERIES 

Whitlow's Fine Display 

Another Hat-Trick

Saturday, December 24th 1932.
EXETER CITY 3  (Whitlow 3)
SOUTHEND UNITED 0 

Half-time 3-0.

As last Saturday the Grecians had a brilliant first half, and the three goals then obtained made the rest of the game easy for them. Whitlow's "hat-trick" was the right reward of splendid leadership of the forward line. The City centre forward can have had very few better games than this. The victory is a splendid opening to the Christmas series, which consists of a couple of matches with the Railwaymen of Swindon.

Exeter City.
Davies
Gray Miller
Clarke Childs Barber
Scott Higgins Whitlow Houghton Welsby

Referee:- Mr A. S. King, of Swindon.

Robson Lewis Morfitt Jones Barnett
Donovan Randle Dixon
Wootton Hatfield
Whitelaw
Southend United.

In the great duel between Whitlow and Whitelaw, the City centre forward by scoring all his side's goals demonstrated that the Grecians were not at their best when they were defeated by the "Shrimpers" in the recent F. A. Cup-tie replay. And the services of Miller were badly missed in the second half of that match. On the other hand, the Southend goalkeeper in today's encounter gave a marvellous exhibition, keeping the score down repeatedly with almost super-human skill when he looked to be beaten hope lessly. Southend were never allowed to settle down. The City's fast and accurate footwork enabled them to concentrate their forces in the Southend territory. Brilliant winging by Welsby and Scott worried Hatfield and Wootton repeatedly, and after the first eight minutes Whitlow netted. A mix-up between Morfitt and Davies nearly led to an equaliser, but Lewis was smothered by Gray when he tried to fire the ball into Exeter's empty net. Subsequent raids by Exeter were deadly in their accuracy and in the speed of their execution, and two goals by Whitlow within the space of six minutes, contributed to by Higgins and Scott, gave the Grecians a clear lead with twenty minutes still wanting for the interval. There was a distinct falling away in the second half, but Exeter remained the better team and Whitelaw was again the saviour of his side, although Whitlow was unlucky on one occasion to rattle the crossbar with a typical shot, whilst at least one lightning "first-timer" went the wrong side of the post.

Southend certainly had more of the play in this half, but never did they look like reducing the arrears. Jones, who was elusive and clever at controlling the ball, did many tricky things, but was ineffective, and when Robson and Barnett had scoring chances their shooting left a lot to be desired. Exeter's teamwork and the brilliant leadership of Whitlow won them the match.

Southern League
ARGYLE RESERVES 2
CITY RESERVES 2.

Something of the spirit which has in former years marked meetings at Christmas between the Argyle and Exeter reserve teams was re captured at Home Park today, when the second strings of the two clubs met in a Southern League match. Both sides were strongly represented, and the game was watched by 6,000 people. The first Argyle attack almost resulted in a goal being scored. Simpson put over a good centre, and Bird, five yards from goal, let fly first time, but Ince cleared at the expense of a corner. Exeter were however having a good share of the game, and it was clear that the Argyle were opposed to a side of more than average ability. The Grecians' right wing pair were often dangerous, and attacks from this quarter gave Cann an opportunity of proving he has lost none of his form. At the other end Angus was playing a good defensive game for the City, and Simpson was given very little rope. After 25 minutes Plymouth took the lead, Melaniphy running on to score with the Exeter defence appealing for offside. Cann was again prominent in bringing off good clearances in turn from Angus, Poulter, Hurst, and Connaboy.

SECOND HALF.

The game had hardly restarted when the Argyle got their second goal, Wilson giving to Melani phy, who beat Ince with a strong left-footed shot. Exeter then reduced the lead, Poulter heading in from a rebound off the crossbar. This put new life into the Exeter side, who became steadier in defence, while their forwards moved up the field in much better style than here to fore. They drew level with a really "copybook" goal by Poulter. Gumm advanced on the right and passed across the edge of the penalty area to Poulter, who beat two defenders, and when Cann rushed out Poulter tipped the ball neatly over him, ran round him and placed the ball safely in the back of the net. Just after this goal Risdon headed narrowly wide, and on the r run of the game, particularly in the second half, Exeter were quite worthy of a point.