ECFC 3-4 Newport County
Scorers: Digby, Regan, Smith Attendance: 4076

EXETER SCORE THREE GOALS AT HOME BUT LOSE.

SEASON'S SMALLEST GATE AT ST JAMES'S PARK.

Wintry weather, counter-attractions on the wireless including the Cup semi-final and the Oxford v Cambridge boat-race broadcasts, and, not the least important factor, the disappointing performances of the City team lately, combined to reduce the attendance to the smallest "gate" for a Third Division match on a Saturday at St James's Park.

EXETER CITY 3 NEWPORT COUNTY 4. Saturday, March 29th 1952, at St James's Park.

Attendance 4,076.

Exeter City:- Singleton; Walton, Rowe; Davey, Doyle, Armes; Digby, Mackay, Smith, Harrower, Regan.

Newport:- Fearnley; Staples, Hayward; Newall, Wilcox, Donaldson; Birch, Beattie, Parker, Shergold, Moore.

Referee:- Mr W.J.Edwards of Yeovil.

Linesmen: Messrs R.L. Buscombe and R.C.Bryant.

The City v Newport game was spoiled by a strong end to end wind. The visitors had the advantage in the first half, and a three - nil lead at the interval practically assured them of victory.

With the gale at their backs in the second half the City attacked with
strength and purpose, however, but although they succeeded in reducing the gap they were not quite good enough to save a point. Newport deserved their victory because they were the faster and more resolute side, especially in the forward line. Newport's goals in the opening half were obtained by Moore, Shergold, and Parker. Digby reduced Exeter's deficit early in the second half, but Birch quickly restored Newport's three goals margin. Though three goals in arrears the City kept pegging away, and strong pressure in the final stages was rewarded with goals by Regan and Smith, both as the result of well made attacks and shots from close range.

Southern League 
HEREFORD UNITED 5 CITY RESERVES 1.

In bitterly cold weather with snow falling the City Reserves conceded
four goals in the first half and another in the second.

After Best had completed his "hat-trick" Wilkins scored for the City Reserves with a long shot which hit the inside of the goal-post before entering the net. Crowe then got another goal for Hereford.

Hereford: Parton; Layton, Hughes; Woods, Thompson, McCall; Bowen, Allum, Best, Crowe, Lang.

City Reserves: - Salter; Reid, Clark; Booth, Carter, Coley; Hutchings,
Wilkins, Howells, Brown, McClelland.

Referee: Mr F.J.Cope.

Linesmen: Messrs R.L. Buscombe and R.C.Bryant.

Dick Smart Benefit 

"CELLAR CITY" BEAT "STELLAR SAINTS" BY THREE GOALS TO TWO.

Exeter City, bottom of the Southern Section, confounded their critics on Wednesday evening (kick off 5.15). It is true that no League points were at stake in this benefit game, but it was a "friendly with a bite" and the score of three goals to two was a correct measure of the slight superiority of Exeter over their visitors.

A fast pace was maintained by both sides for the full ninety minutes. Neither team let up, and with Southampton always striving to save the day there was much excitement to satisfy the onlookers.

EXETER CITY 3 SOUTHAMPTON 2.

Wednesday, April 2nd,
at St James's Park.

Attendance 2,000.

Exeter, thrice in the lead, struck an early blow when Regan drove home a close range left foot shot after an earlier one had been cleared by one of the backs from the goalmouth.

Bates levelled the scores when he headed in from six yards range, but the goal looked suspiciously offside. No signal came from the linesman, however, and Mr Gooding allowed the goal to count. The scoring was resumed just after the interval when Howells netted for Exeter and Dudley for the Saints.

Cut and thrust exchanges were now the order, and the most exciting part of the match came when Regan's drive flashed past the surprised Kiernan for the best goal of the game.

While the Southampton forward line made more use of the first-time pass the City attack, in which the liveliness of Brown and the opportunism of Regan were notable features, was definitely more cohesive than they have been in any recent League matches.

Exeter City:- Singleton; Clark, Kirkman; Booth, Goddard, Fallon; McClelland, Mackay, Howells, Brown, Regan.

Southampton:- Kiernan; Ellerington, Ballard; Elliott, Clements, Wilkins; Day, McGowan, Dudley, Bates, Lowder.

Referee:- Mr W. Gooding of Exeter. Linesmen:- Messrs E.Edworthy and G. Ogley.