MISJUDGED LONG SHOT TRAGIC FOR CITY :HALF BACKS SHINE AT NEWPORT

Big Improvement Nullified

Saturday, September 21st 1935.
Newport County 2 Exeter City 1.

The weather was dull and a drizzling rain fell at Newport, and in consequence of these conditions there was not a big gate. Today's match was notable for the return to first team duty of Tom Scott, who has been absent since the middle of last season due to the removal of a cartilage and the after-effects of the operation. Between six and seven thousand spectators were present at the start, and Lowton won the toss.

NEWPORT COUNTY
Briggs
Jenkins Kelso
Davies Brewer Burgess
White McKay Smith Parle Thomas

Referee:- Mr E. Pinckston.

McArdle Dunn McArthur T.Scott J.Scott Angus Clarke Risdon
Lowton Gray
Chesters
EXETER CITY

Although playing greatly improved football Exeter City were on the losing side again today at Somerton Park, Newport. The City were the cleverer combination, but once more the attack failed to round off movements which were cleverly engineered. Dunn was again the schemer of the line, and the skilful manner in which he opened the game up should have brought more than the one goal. A gratifying feature was the better form shown by the half backs in which department Clarke did very well indeed in the centre. The defence was sound, but it was a bad calculation on the part of Chesters which led to the County scoring their final goal. A long shot from almost on the touch-line by Thomas was completely misjudged by the City goalkeeper, who allowed the ball to pass over his head and drop behind him into the net. Newport's first goal was scored by Smith, who gained possession after a tussle with Gray and beat Chesters with a low shot from an oblique angle. This was in the 25th minute of the second half. The lead was short-lived, and it was Jimmy Dunn, with his first goal for the City, who levelled the scores. From T.Scott the ball was passed to his namesake, who, having drawn Kelso out of position sent the ball towards the far post. Briggs came out too late, and Dunn, racing into position, netted with a fast rising shot.

Southern League
NEWPORT COUNTY RESERVES
v CITY RESERVES.

There were late alterations in the City Reserves team, who were at home to Newport Reserves in a Southern League match. Ebdon moved from inside-right to centre-forward in the place of Taylor, and White, of Seaton, took Ebdon's place. Newport were soon aggressive, but cool clearances by Miller and Robinson relieved the pressure. In a quarter of an hour Exeter opened the scoring. A long ground pass by Fantham gave Hoyle his chance, and after working as far as the corner flag the winger's centre was fumbled by Williams, and before the goalkeeper could recover White had dashed in and driven the ball into the net.

Newport's Bad Luck.

The Newport half backs initiated many good moves, but the attack crumpled up on the rock-like defence of Robinson and Miller. Newport, however, had a stroke of bad luck when Appleby, with a first-time shot hit the post, Robinson clearing the rebound. Jones, getting away on the left, drew Kirk out and crossed the ball to Hill, who shot into an empty net to level the scores. Just before half-time Morgan gave Newport the lead. Lewis, formerly of Exeter City, played a fine constructive game for Newport in the second half, and from one of his well judged passes to Appleby that player worked his way round Miller and centred to Clarke, who headed the County's third goal. Newport were the better side, lasting the pace right till the end, and Hill had a goal disallowed for offside.
Result:-
City Reserves 1 Newport Reserves 3.

EXETER CITY AND THEIR MANAGER TO PART
MR. MCDEVITT AND CLUB TERMINATE AGREEMENT

Exeter's biggest Soccer "bombshell" for years was dropped on
Friday night, September 27th.

At a meeting of the directors the decision was reached that the engagement of Mr William McDevitt as manager of the Exeter City Football Club should cease. The following official statement was issued by Mr S. H. Thomas, the Club Secretary:

"Arrangements have been come to between the Exeter City F. C. and their manager, Mr McDevitt, that his engagement with the club as their manager shall come to an end. The club will at once be advertising for a new manager." The board meeting had been attended by every member.

RECORD AS PLAYER AND MANAGER

Mr McDevitt joined Exeter City eleven years ago. He was signed by Mr Fred Mavin for the centre half-back position, and had previously played in that position for Liverpool and Swansea Town. Shortly after coming to Exeter he was converted into an inside-right, and he was acknowledged one of the best construc tive forwards the City had. His brainy tactics were largely instrumental in the development of Blackmore, who was later transferred to Bolton Wanderers for a big fee. Captaining the side for a number of years, McDevitt was one of the Southern Section's most discussed forwards, and it was only by one odd vote that he missed International honours for Ireland in 1928. He was appointed players' manager of Exeter City in 1929, in succession to Mr Dave Wilson, and within a short time built a side which brought distinction and fame to Exeter. Within two years of his taking office he forced Exeter into the glare of the national limelight by moulding a team which staggered the followers of football everywhere by its giant-killing feats in the F. A. Cup. After beating Northfleet and Coventry in the early rounds, the City went on to dismiss Derby County, Bury, and Leeds from the competition, and forcing a draw with Sunderland at Roker Park. Sunderland then put paid to the City's hopes of entering the semi-final round of the Cup by winning the replay at St James's Park before a record attendance of nearly 21,000. Shortly after this came the City's best League season on record when their promotion bid narrowly failed. In the last two years Exeter City have finished about midway in the League table. Mr McDevitt, the fourth to have filled the position of manager with Exeter City since the club embraced professionalism in the 1908-09 season, has had more than one offer for his services. He could have taken over the management of Queens Park Rangers before the appointment was given to Mr M.O'Brien, but declined. Mr McDevitt stated that he is not leaving the Exeter City club in any vindictive spirit. He wished his successor every good fortune, though he did not envy him the task.