The Spooner Cup

EXETER CITY'S FINE VICTORY OVER PLYLOUTH ARGYLE

Played at Home Park,  

Wednesday April 29th.

Plymouth Argyle and Exeter City met at Home Park on the above date in the Spooner Memorial Cup. Although the match did not kick-off until 5.30 p.m. there was but a small attendance. Pratt won the toss, and Burch started for the Argyle, facing the sun.

The players lined up as follows:

Argyle:- Horne; Butler, Atterbury; Forbes, McCormick, Baker; Blott, Rutter, Burch, Kellock, and Dixon.

City:- Pym; Fort, Strettle; Smith, Pratt, Evans; Holt, Lovett, Whittaker, McCann, and Goodwin.

The Grecians' victory at Home Park, by one goal to nil, was well deserved, especially in the second half, when the defence played very soundly and easily coped with the clever short passing moves of the Pilgrims.

The goal that won the match came about through Pratt breaking into the Plymouth penalty area and intercepting a pass by Butler, intended for Atterbury. He flicked the ball to Lovett, who in turn gave it to Holt, and when it was returned across the face of the goal Goodwin rammed it into the net from close range.

The Argyle naturally redoubled their efforts after this, but Exeter's defence held out, the backs and halves, especially Smith, Pratt, and Strettle, playing a superb game. The City's victory was very popular, even with the Argyle's own supporters.

At the conclusion of the match the Cup was presented to Pratt, acting captain of Exeter City, by Mr. Sydney Smith. It has been put up for competition between the first elevens of Argyle and Exeter every season.

Plymouth and District League.

4th Middlesex Regiment v City Reserves.

This match was played at Home Park in the afternoon, preceding the Spooner Cup-tie. The soldiers had the best of the early play, and Loram had to make several saves. Then Exeter broke away, and after a neat run on the wing Orr sent in a fine shot from a very narrow angle, the ball travelling over the bar. An error by Clark put the City forward in a good position, and as Morris ran out to meet the ball Davey slipped it into the unguarded net, thus giving Exeter the lead, after twelve minutes.

Smart passing by the soldiers took play near to the City goal, but Roberts sent wide from close range. Strenuous efforts were made by the 4th Middlesex to equalise, and eventually Barnes scored from two yards out following a general melee in the goalmouth.

Half-time: Middlesex Regiment 1, City Reserves 1.

On resuming the soldiers again attacked, and E.Smith, getting the better of halves and backs, netted, thus giving his side the lead for the first time. The Exeter citadel was now subjected to a hot attack, and Roberts centred to Barnes, who scored but was ruled offside. Play in the concluding stages was in favour of the Reserves, but they failed to penetrate the Soldiers' defence.

The 4th Middlesex Regiment thus won by two goals to one.