SATURDAY FEBRUARY 27TH.

PORTSMOUTH v EXETER CITY.  

The match between Portsmouth and the Grecians this afternoon at Fratton Park was, as far as good football went, one of the most disappointing games seen on the ground this season. Exeter won by two goals to none, and deserved to do so, neither of the sides played football which at any time was capable of rousing the six thousand spectators to more than lukewarm enthusiasm.

Portsmouth:- Neil; Potts, Chesser; Walls, Harwood, Abbott; Thompson, Stringfellow, Armstrong, Turner, and Tattum.

Exeter City:- Pym; Marshall, Strettle; Rigby, Lagan, Smith; Holt, Evans, Goodwin (W), Goodwin (F), and Dockray.

Referee:- Mr W.David, of Shrivenham.

Both goals were scored in the second half. Fred Goodwin got the first, and Rigby the second from a penalty kick, and the final result was in accordance with the form shown. The work of Portsmouth exhibited neither life nor method, and if Neil be excepted there is not one man who can be picked out for special mention. Exeter were very little better than the home side, but they were quicker on the ball and showed more determination, and it was that which pulled them through.

It was not surprising that there should have been no goals registered in the first half. Indeed, the goalkeepers had very few effective shots to deal with. The City started the second half with a characteristic burst, and within a minute were one goal to the good. Almost direct from the kick-off the ball went out to the right wing, Holt raced along the line and centred truly and swiftly, and Fred Goodwin met the ball and scored with an oblique drive into the bottom corner of the net.

Stringfellow was brought down within the penalty area by Marshall, but Potts failed with the resultant spot kick. Just afterwards at the other end of the field Chesser brought Holt down, and Rigby demonstrated the correct way to score from the mark, and making Exeter City's victory complete.

The Reserves 

At St James's Park the City Reserves beat Army Pay Corps by six goals to nil.

Southern League Results to February 27th (Inclusive).