Saturday, August 20th 1949. City v Crystal Palace.

Two newcomers, Greenwood from Manchester City, and McClelland, from Blackburn Rovers, shared in Exeter City's 2-1 triumph over Crystal Palace, but old campaigners Hoyle and Walker were the winning team's outstanding men.

EXETER CITY (Durrant, McClelland) 2
CRYSTAL PALACE (Hanlon) 1

Half-time City 2 Palace 0.
Attendance 12,180.
Receipts £885. 15s.Od.

City: Hoyle; Johnstone, Rowe; Greenwood, Walker, Powell; Hutchings, Smart, Durrant, McClelland, Regan.
Palace:- Graham; George, Dawes; Lewis, Watson, Chilvers; Bostock, Kurz, Rooke, Mulheron, Hanlon.

Hoyle, who had been nursing an injury for a week, was at the peak of his form. Fearless and seldom at fault in his anticipation, he often came to the rescue of his faltering colleagues. Some of his saves at Rooke's expense were classic examples of the goalkeeper's art. The experience of Walker stood him in good stead against Ronnie Rooke, the former Arsenal centre-forward, who led a polished, intelligent and speedy Palace attack. The many duels between these skilled craftsmen were a feature of the match.

Southern League 
HEREFORD UNITED 2
CITY RESERVES 2.

Thompson got the first goal for Hereford but when Roy and Mitchell in turn took advantage of hesitation in defence to slap in a couple of goals which should have been prevented the home side fought back when appearing to be well beaten. Thompson hit the upright and Johnson got the equaliser with a spectacular header following a corner. City team:- Singleton; Warren, Doyle; Fallon, Davey, Squires; Mitchell, Roy, Rew, Harrower, Smith.