SAVED GAME IN LAST FEW MINUTES
Splendid equaliser scored by son of former Exeter manager

EXETER CITY, who drew 2-2 with Northampton last night, went very near to being the second team to win at Northampton this season, when they held the lead until the last 15 minutes. Then the home side shared the points through a splendid opportunist goal by outside-right Jack English, son of the former Exeter manager. English is Northampton's top scorer.

Last night's goal was his 29th from the wing this season, and he now needs only four more to equal Cliff Bastin's English League record for wingers. He spotted an opening in the Exeter defence and moved in swiftly for an 18-yard cross drive which Kelly could not reach. Until that point, Exeter's defence played splendidly. They checked many of Northampton's second-half attacks with quick and rugged tackling which did not always please the home crowd, but they never let any barracking put them off their game. The game swung in Exeter's favour during the closing minutes of the first half. A goal down, they kept worrying the home defence with nicely planned attacks. Then a forward kick saw Donaldson chasing the ball. It bounced awkwardly for Collins, the home centre-half. who hesitated, and while he did so Donaldson ran round him to place the ball neatly past Wood. It was a very creditable goal, for the centre-forward controlled the ball instantly and shot well, apart from his anticipation in seeing the chance.
SECOND GOAL
This encouraged Exeter, and with only a minute left for the interval they went ahead as Mackay, always a thoughtful schemer, placed the ball accurately for Ellaway to head another good goal and gain an interval lead. Northampton's first goal after 25 minutes had been strongly disputed by the Exeter players, Ramscar had hit the bar with an overhead kick. As it rebounded O'Donnell headed the ball forward. Many thought McLain handled before an Exeter defender also got his hand to the ball and then English shot into the net. The referee decided on a penalty for Northampton despite the strong protest of Exeter players, particularly Kelly, who was eventually beaten by Ramscar's delayed spot kick. Exeter's worst time was around this period. Ramacar was beating Mitchell too often and giving Fowler the chances to worry Walton, so that the ball was frequently crossing the goalmouth from the Northampton left wing. Kelly saved Exeter then. He cut off nearly all these centres, including three in a three-minute spell.
TWO GRAND SAVES
He also saved grandly from two efforts by Ramacar, although once the ball escaped nie grasp and hit the post, Just after Northampton's first goal he was beaten by McLain, but the ball hit the crossbar. Exeter's strength wae on the left flank where Douglass tackled English relentlessly and blotted out the home star scorer. Norman Dodgin gave equally good service. His knowledge of former club men was evident in many ways. Equally good was Davey, who controlled the middle of the field againet McLain. The forward who impressed most wa Donaldson. His placing was intelligent and he controlled the line admirably. Mackay was a good schemer Ellaway was always lively and both wingers displayed speed. Priestley in particular worried the home defence. Northampton made a last-minute attack, but Dodgin was there on the line to head safely away.

• The attendance was 5,597, and the money was £482.

Teams:
Northampton - Wood: Marston, Southam: Hughes, Collins, Upton: English, O'Donnell, McLain, Ramscar, Fowler.

Exeter-Kelly: Walton, Douglass: Mitchell, Davey, Dodgin; Priestley, Ellaway, Donaldson, Mackay, Parker.

• The referee was Mr. A. Howlett, of Swindon.