September 17th 1938.

EXETER CITY 2
BRISTOL ROVERS 1.

The Bristol Rovers team at Exeter today included Harold Webb, a well remembered ex-Grecian, at left-back. He was making his first appearance with the Rovers' League XI following his move from Newport County last week. The City reverted to the eleven which drew at Reading, and this meant the re-introduction of Rich in place of Roy Southcombe, who was the outside-right in Wednesday's cup-tie with Swindon.

City: Church; Brown, Clarke; Shadwell, Fellowes, Angus; Rich, Turnbull, Bowl, Ebdon, Millar.
Rovers:- Nicholls; Roberts, Webb; Warren, O'Mahoney, McArthur; Butterworth, Spivey, Iles, Tolland, and Gardiner.

The City have made their best start to a season than for many years past, and prospects are bright. There was a "gate" of between nine and ten thousand at the "Park" today.
CITY IN THE ASCENDANT.
Exeter City only won by an odd goal against Bristol Rovers this afternoon, but the margin does not properly represent the home side's superiority. The City were in the ascendant for long periods following the interval, and although no goals had been scored in the first half there was a stage in this period when the brilliance of Nicholls, the old 'Spurs goalkeeper, alone saved Bristol. There were plenty of thrills in this game, but it was a pity that the exchanges after the interval were marred by a lengthy succession of petty fouls. Roberts and Webb, of the Rovers, were the worst offenders in this respect. Dick Ebdon, who is probably the most improved forward in the South Section of the Third Division, scored both of Exeter's goal, and his one was a gem. Millar flicked the ball inwards with his right second foot and Bowl helped it along to Ebdon. At first Ebdon appeared to be hemmed in, but clever footwork extricated him from his difficult situation, and then he turned and shot from the edge of the penalty area. Like a bullet the ball flashed towards the top corner of the net, and a swallow-like dive by Nicholls was all to no avail. Ebdon and Rich were the best of an aggressive attack, which at the times played very good football. Rich was on top of his form, and was altogether too speedy for Harold Webb. Turnbull, Bowl, and Millar played an efficient part in the City attack. Watching the game was Billy Goodwin, the old Exeter forward of just before and just after the war. His verdict was that the City have got a good side, and he hopes they keep it up.

• THE BOB WALLACE FUND. The club and supporters' club flags were again at half-mast in memory of Bob Wallace, and the collection on the ground, in aid of his widow, was generously supported. The latest donations to the fund include one from Tom Davies, one from "Nobby" Clarke, and one from Plymouth Argyle F.C.

Southern League
BRISTOL ROVERS RES. 3
EXETER CITY RES. 1.

Exeter surprised the home side by scoring a goal in the opening minute of the Southern League match at Eastville today. Liddle centred across the goalmouth and Gueran snapped up the chance and scored with an excellent shot.
Rovers:- Wilson; Hartley and Smith;
Millington, Warhurst, and Whitfield; Kitchen, Curran, Kavanagh, Hurst, and Rogers.
Exeter City: Blore; Mellish and Little; Coles, Walker, and Barnes; Gueran, Bussey, Pollard, Riley, and Liddle.
Referee:- Mr A.H. Webb, of Cirencester.

The Rovers equalised after ten minutes, when Rogers sent in a shot which Blore only partially saved and Kitchen netted from the rebound. Play was rather rough and free kicks were given to each side with alarming frequency. The referee eventually gave the Rovers a penalty from which Hartley scored. Bristol scored again after the interval through Kavanagh.