WEST HAM v EXETER CITY,

played on Christmas Day.

25th December 1913

There was not much Christmas charity at West Ham, where the United drew with Exeter City, each. side scoring a goal. 

Nobody was giving anything away, and the Christmas boxes were very much of the bumpy variety. At first it looked as if the very dashing Exeter forwards were going to carry everything before them. They kept the West Ham half-backs, who, nevertheless, were playing exceptionally well, on the run. The pressure was severe, and there was little cause for wonder when Marshall put the City ahead. Lonsdale had been punching and kicking out all kinds of shots, the most deadly of which had come from Lovett. The goal was headed in by Marshall from Lovett's pass.

Despite the fact that Puddefoot equalised, and that Butcher and Bailey had the very worst of luck in missing absolute certainties, it was Lonsdale who showed himself to be the man of the match. For rarely, if ever, has there been a better display between the posts at Boleyn Castle. He was strong, confident, and cool, and not once did he make an error. His intuition of the intention of the Exeter forwards was remarkable. But whilst praising Lonsdale, the young Exeter goalkeeper, Pym, must not be overlooked. He was safe and sure in everything he attempted, and for a youngster of his age his work was absolutely first-class. On the run of the play West Ham possibly deserved to win, but a draw was a more equitable result by reason of Exeter's splendid defence, in which Strettle and Fort, as well as Pym, were outstanding.

West Ham:- Lonsdale; Brandon, Irvine; Woodards, Askew, Randall; Denyer, Butcher, Puddefoot, Bailey, and Ashton. 

Exeter:- Pym; Fort, Strettle; Rigby, Pratt, Smith; Holt, Lovett, Brooksbank, McCann, and Marshall.

Referee:- Mr T.S.Sephton.

City Reserves v East Devon,

at St. James's Park.

About fifteen hundred witnessed the match at St. James's Park on Christmas morning between Exeter City Reserves and an East Devon representative side. In the first few minutes the Reserves did some fast attacking, and Stoneman and Cox shot wide. Burke dealt capably with a pile-driver from Evans. The Exmouth right-wing pair were smart, but generally found Evans too clever for them. Baker had a chance, but struck the side of the net, and Cox was proving the best shot on the Exeter side, who did most of the pressing, but were poor in front of goal. Davey made a splendid run for the Devon League side, but from his pass Price ballooned the ball over the bar. Lewis at length scored for Exeter with a long shot, following which Greenaway and Lewis both missed easy chances. Evans then scored with a beautiful drive from twenty yards.

 Soon after the interval Purchase had a possible chance, butspooned the ball wide. A long shot from Goddard was punched away by Burke, and with play very much in the League's half Stoneman rushed through a centre from Orr for Exeter's third goal. Davey, Purchase, and Pym were the best men in the representative team. Loram had practically an idle afternoon.

Final: City Reserves 3, East Devon nil.

City Reserves:-

Loram; Harding, Goddard; Hunt, Cox, Evans; Baker, Greenaway, Stoneman, Lewis, and Orr.

East Devon:-

Burke (33rd Battery); Steer (Babbacombe), Walker (Friernhay); Densham (St Leonard's), Pym (Friernhay), Glanville (Friernhay); Davey (Exmouth), Sturman (Exmouth), Lieut.Purchase (32nd Battery), Garnsworthy (St Leonard's), and Price (32nd Battery). 

Referee: Mr Colbourne.

After the match the East Devon team and officials were entertained by the Exeter City club to dinner at the BudeHotel.