DECEMBER 27TH 1949.

Southend v Exeter City 

There were not many of the finer points of football in this match but all the way through it was full of hard knocks and exciting moments for the crowd, which exceeded 20,000.

Southend:- Hankey; Lindsay, Walton; Wallbanks, Sheard, French; Clough, McAlinden, Wakefield, Davies, Morris.
Exeter City: Hoyle; Clark, Rowe; Fallon, Goddard, Doyle; Harrower, McClelland, Smith, Greenwood, Regan.

The goal, scored by Morris, which gave Southend the points, followed a left-wing corner in 55 minutes, and from then on they several times nearly increased their lead. Exeter certainly had hard luck before the interval. Once, after dealing with a shot from Harrower, Hankey was caught out of goal. Smith shot at the empty net but hit the foot of a post, and the goalkeeper got back in time to collect the rebound and clear. Again Smith missed by inches. Fast, open raids brought opportunities for Exeter. Regan was the most dangerous raider and he often tested Hankey. Exeter fought ght very hard towards the end and Hankey had to bring out everything he knew to stop a great drive from entering the net. Harrower also tested Hankey with a fine cross-shot. Exeter's defence and half-backs, with Goddard playing a hard and successful part, were a greatly improved combination. Clark, in particular, stood out, and twice on the goal-line saved "certain" goals by kicking accurately. McAlinden was Southend's schemer and Wakefield a dangerous leader, but neither side ever got moving smoothly.

Friendly
CITY RESERVES 4
PLYMOUTH COMMAND 3.

The star player in the friendly match between Exeter City Reserves and the Royal Navy (Plymouth Command) at St James's Park was Mne.Fletcher, who scored a "hat-trick" for the Navy. The greater experience and training of the City Reserves told in their favour, however. They attacked for long spells and scored four goals through Murphy (2), Hutchings (1), and Rew (1).

Team:- Singleton; Warren, Davey; Hutchings, Carter, Squires; Digby, Greenaway, Rew, Murphy, Rickard.
Attendance 3,378,
Reciepts  £112.28s.0d.

• Stan Carter has signed on for Exeter City as a professional.