Exeter City Too Slow-Wonderful Display by Davies 

WEAKNESS IN ALL DEPARTMENTS EXCEPT GOAL

Saturday, April 8th 1933.
BRIGHTON AND HOVE ALBION 2 (Townsend Farrell) 
EXETER CITY 1 (Houghton)
Half-time 2-1.


Exeter City failed to take in their stride what they regarded as a stiff hurdle in the promotion race, and although they made a desperate and up-hill fight the whole way they were no match for the faster, livelier, and more skilful Brighton team.

Brighton
Webb
Marsden King
Wilkinson Brett Walker
Thompson Farrell Townsend Smith Wilson

Referee:- Mr W.Bristow, of Stafford.

Welsby Houghton Whitlow Wrightson Scott
Barber Angus Clarke
Miller Hughes
Davies
Exeter City

Brighton dropped Attwood from the centre-forward position, and in his place was Townsend, who gave a dashing display. The Brighton centre-forward, however, was allowed far too much latitude, and that as much as anything contributed to the defeat of the City. Apart from not keeping a watchful enough eye on Townsend, Angus played a sound constructive game at centre half, but too much work was thus thrown on the backs, Miller and Hughes, both giving a plucky display under difficulties. Townsend opened the scoring for Brighton after eleven minutes. He gained possession in a melee some twelve yards from the City goal and beat Davies with a hard low drive into the corner of the net. Five minutes later Houghton equalised after a neat bout of passing between himself and Whitlow. Exeter then improved slightly, but with the Brighton forwards in their best form and with Brett playing a vigorous and brainy game in the middle of the field matters generally went the way of the Brightonians.
Farrell scored Brighton's winning goal, the opening again being made by Townsend. Exeter were outmatched for speed and revealed weaknesses all round except in goal, where Davies played a wonderful game.

The position at the head of the League now is:-

1. Brentford top with 50 points
2. Norwich City with 49 points 
3. Exeter City with 48 points 

EXETER CITY RESERVES 2
YEOVIL and PETTERS 0.

While the "greater Grecians" were battling for promotion at the Brighton ground the lesser dit to, at home to Yeovil and Petters, were faced with a similarly important task in their own sphere.

City:- Ince; Gray, Webb; E.Keefe, Childs, Robinson; Gumm, Poulter, Hurst, Kennedy, Higgins.

Yeovil:- Jones; Day, Terry; Gibson, Pratt, Parkin; Hodder, Anderson, Lewis, McNeil, Murley.

At the last minute Courtney was substituted for Higgins, who was unfit. Gray won the toss and set Yeovil to face a brilliant sun. Hurst was a trier, but once missed what would have been a certain goal a month or two ago. Exeter were awarded a penalty against one of the Yeovil backs for pushing, but Childs's spot kick was saved by Jones. Gumm and Hurst scored for Exeter in the second half. Keefe retired with an injured knee and did not return.