Thursday, December 17th.

THE F. A. CUP REPLAY: 
AVENUE "PIPPED" AFTER LEADING TWICE.

Depressing weather conditions prevailed at the start of the Cup-tie between Walthamstow Avenue and Exeter City this afternoon. There was no fog, but rain and a keen wind made things unpleasant for players and spectators alike. The ground was in a deplorable condition and very heavy underfoot. Neither side made any change, and the teams were the same as which did duty on Saturday. The crowd did not roll up as fast as on Saturday, but there was a gate of about 8,000, which was quite satisfactory in view of the weather and the fact that this was a mid-week match.

The Exeter City team was accompanied by Capt. F. J. C. Hunter, the Chairman, and Messrs C. Hoskins and J.G.R.Orchard, directors.

CENTRE DROPPED SHORT.

Winning the toss, the Avenue had the advantage of the wind in the first half, but the City were the more impressive side in the early play, and following a fast burst through by Johnson the ball went into touch on the right. Both sides found the utmost difficulty in settling down on such a treacherous ground, but at length Exeter showed the way. A thrilling combined raid between Johnson, Scott, and Williams had the Avenue defence on the run, but Urmson's centre dropped short. Exeter continued to press, and after fifteen minutes' play Urmson centred to Williams, who jumping high, headed a great goal, the ball flashing into the net just underneath the crossbar. Ten minutes before the interval Matthews equalised with a simple goal from eight yards, Davis having created the chance.

SECOND HALF.
Two Walthamstow players were injured in the first minute, Vincent and then Hicks having to receive the trainer's attention. In the fifteenth minute of this half Exeter fell behind, Vincent passing to Matthews, whose left-foot shot beat Tierney from ten yards. The City had paid the penalty for over elaboration in unsuitable conditions. Now a goal behind, they realised the error of their ways, and playing straightforward and open football that launced a series of fast raids on the Avenue goal. Their aggression bore fruit after 22 minutes. Williams veered out to the left, and then as Barlow came out Exeter's centre forward - steered a low shot into the far corner of the net. Williams almost completed the hat-trick afterwards, but this time Barlow dived and held the ten-yards' shot. Both teams were feeling the strain in the last ten minutes and the Avenue more so than Exeter. After Williams had missed with one shot Scott had a try, and his shot rebounded off an Avenue full back to Keane, who drove the ball low into the opposite corner of the net.

Result:-
Walthamstow Avenue 2
Exeter City 3.

TWO NEW PLAYERS FOR EXETER CITY

Exeter City have secured the transfer from Reading of W.E.Owen, an outside-left. Owen is a young player who has been on the books of the Reading club for about two seasons, and last year he made 20 appearances in the Third Division side and scored two goals. Owen previously played for Manchester United, where he gained useful experience in Central League football.

WALTER BUSSEY

Walter Bussey, the City's new inside right from Swansea Town, was born on December 6th 1904 at Eckington, Derbyshire. An energetic forager, it is almost certain that he would have got to the very top of the Soccer ladder had he not been the victim of injuries almost from the commencement of his career. Bussey's early days were spent with Dinnington Colliery, Anston, and Laughton Celtic, and it was while he was playing for the last named club that he attracted Stoke City's attention and signed for the Potters as an amateur. Later he turned professional with Denaby United, and after gaining experience with that club in the Midland League he was recalled to the Victoria Ground, Stoke, in November 1925. As a result of a splintered shin-bone he lost his place in Stoke's first team, and in September 1933 was transferred to Blackpool for £1,050. His chance at Blackpool were somewhat limited, and in the following August he joined Swansea Town. Bussey at his best works the ball well and has a powerful shot in either foot. It is to be hoped he brings his shooting boots along with him.

• Reg Loram, Exeter City's old goalkeeper and former trainer, is to be the club's new assistant trainer, having been appointed to this position in succession to Wilf Lowton, who has left.