March 17th 1934.

EXETER CITY 2 BRISTOL CITY 0.

Bristol City, whose activities this season have been overshadowed by those of the rival club at Eastville, were visitors to St James Park, Exeter, today. After a very poor start (it took them many weeks before they won a match) the Robins have now turned the corner, and their policy of encouraging local talent is being borne out by improved results. A sign of the season's approaching end and the failure, barring a miracle, of Exeter City's promotion bid, was reflected in the poor attendance, for although the weather was dry the gate did not exceed five thousand.

Exeter City. Davies; Gray and Miller; Clarke, Webb, and Angus; Scott, Wrightson, Whitlow, J.Barnes, and Hurst.

Bristol City. Scattergood; Roberts and Birks; Morgan, Jennings, and Brinton; Homer, Molloy, Golledge, Loftus, and Scriven.

Referee:- Mr J. H. Whittle.

Exeter's opening burst was ineffective because Scott placed a pass badly, and then, following a throw-in Bristol broke away. Golledge held on to the ball too long, however, but was fortunate to get a pass out to Homer, who drove the ball eighteen inches over the bar. Bristol made strong efforts to get an early goal, and play remained in the vicinity of the Exeter goalmouth for a while, but Miller's cool and calculated methods drove the visitors back. Whitlow injured his thigh and had to retire from treatment. On his
return he changed places with Hurst. Towards the interval Exeter came near to taking a lead they hardly merited. Angus lobbed the ball down the middle, where Hurst, with his back to the opposing goal, tried a header. Barnes went forward to harass Scattergood, and the goalkeeper, misfielding the ball as he dropped, was remarkably lucky to intercept with his foot. In the last Exeter attack before half-time Hurst headed wide. Midway through the second half a sensational change came over the game, Exeter scoring twice within the same number of minutes. A shot by Barnes struck Roberts in flight, and Whitlow, receiving this unexpected "pass," coolly shot the ball home. Whitlow played the biggest part in Exeter's second goal. His model pass, diagonal and along the ground, left Scott with a clear route. Scott ran on, and although challenged by Birks, slammed the ball high and hard to the top corner of the net.

COMMENTS.

Although the Grecians won by two goals to name their display was not convincing. The visitors from Bristol were the faster team, and had an equal share of the exchanges. Two dramatic goals in the 22nd and 24th minute of the second half sealed Bristol's fate. Davies, who made half a dozen notable saves in the last five minutes when Bristol were staging a final rally, played a great game, and so did Miller, whilst Wrightson, who now has to adopt the Houghton role, was easily the best of the home forwards.

Western League
BATH CITY 6
EXETER CITY RESERVES 2.

Howson, who was injured in last week's Western League match between Bath City and Exeter Reserves, was absent from the Somerset club's team to-day, Legg deputising. Exeter introduced Smith, the new back from Norwich City.

The ground was heavy through recent rains, and the weather dry but dull. There were 2,500 spectators.

Boundy equalised an early goal by Lewis, but Willey scored twice to give Bath an interval lead of 3-1. Lewis (2) and Willey obtained 1 goals for Bath in the second half, and Childs netted from a penalty kick in the last minute.
Exeter City:- Chesters; Lock, Smith; Hughes, Ditchburn, Hardie; Leaman, Risdon, Boundy, Barber, and Welsby.