3rd February 1951.
Scorers: Mackay, Smith, McClelland

AFTER a lapse of 21 years, Exeter City and Plymouth Argyle met in a Football League match. The Plymouth invasion began before midday, when several hundred supporters wearing the Argyle colours crowded into the city centre. Those early arrivals were the vanguard of the main army which arrived at lunch time, Three special trains were run and nearly every motor coach in Plymouth was commissioned. Further large contingents came from other parts of Devon, whilst Cornwall and Somerset were also represented. A moderate estimate was that nearly 10,000 football supporters from outside Exeter converged upon St James' Park for the second all-ticket game there within the space of seven days.

All the ingredients possible were blended into this excellent and exciting feast of football, Exeter's doggedness and Plymouth's poise providing several thrilling goalmouth incidents and many pleasing constructive moves. It was, indeed, one of the best derby games in the long series of meetings between the Devon rivals,

The Argyle began like masters and Exeter reeled from two damaging blows, a goal by George Dews in the 27th minute and another by him 15 minutes later, But then Major allowed a centre from Charles McClelland to spin out of his hands and Angus Mackay was on hand to apply the finishing touch

Exeter equalized early in the second half and it was easily the best goal of match, A long ball to Doug Regan was followed by a perfect centre and Archie Smith's header flashed into the Plymouth net. McClelland scored the winning goal from close range as Argyle's players protested that the player was offside. With half an hour remaining, Argyle staked everything

on attack but the erstwhile craft was missing from these late onslaughts against a very dependable Exeter defence.

Exeter City: Singleton; Warren, Rowe, Harrower, Goddard, Lynn, McClelland, Smyth, Smith, Mackay, Regan, 

Plymouth Argyle: Major; Ratcliffe, Jones, McShane, Chisholm, Porteous, Astall, Dougall, Tadman, Dews, Govan,

Attendance: 20,000


Southern League
WEYMOUTH 1
CITY RESERVES 3.

Exeter City Reserves' run of successes in the Southern League was continued today, and Weymouth went down before their own support ers by three goals to one. The fine tackling of Johnstone and Clark did much to upset the smooth working of the Weymouth attack, and behind them a young goalkeeper, Stickland, of St Luke's College, playing his first Southern League match, came through with flying colours.

City team:- Stickland; Johnstone and Clark; Dunlop, Carter, and Wilkinson; Short, Smyth, Dare, Greenwood, and Hutchings.