SATURDAY MARCH 15:
EXETER CITY TRIAL GAME
Promising Wingers at St. James's Park

Exeter City are reaping the reward of their trial of local talent in practice games. There were 2,500 present to see the game against a team known at the Higher Barracks as the Aglabs. They are drawn from the permanent staffs of the Agricultural Companies, Labour Corps, stationed at the Higher Barracks. The team is fairly strong, and out of 24 matches played this season only three have been lost. of 24 mato

The queues lining up in St James's Road before the start were remindful of the old Southern League days. There can be no doubt, in fact, that the Soccer revival at Exeter is going to be a big thing in the near future, for the enthusiasm displayed today proved that, if proof were again needed. The sides were:

CITY:

Pym; Lovell and Strettle; Marland, Pratt, and Loram; Salter, Perry, Green, Cotter, and Lincoln.

AGLABS:

COMS King; CQMS Cross and Sgt Colquhoun; Cpl Summerville, L/cpl Evans, and L/Cpl Baxter; L/Cpl Galbraith, L/cpl Baines, L/c Matthews, Pte Cannon, and Pte Dummett.

The Band of the Depot Devon Regiment played for half an hour, and promptly at 3.15 Major J.A.Pryor, Commandant of Agricultural Labour Corps, Exeter, kicked off.

The Aglabs were beaten by two goals, both scored in the first half. They are not in the same class as the Crownhill Camp side, yet they are not at all a bad team. Their halves are good, but the rest of the eleven are unbalanced, and there was a strange divergence between the right and left wings. The best shots came from their left, Pte Cannon and L/cpl Baxter being the pick. L/cpl Evans was also very good, at centre half. So far as physique goes, they are a splendid bunch of men, and good sportsmen, every one of them. Chief interest centred in Sammy Strettle's reappearance at back, and in Exeter's amateur forward line. Strettle was looking bronzed and very fit, and kicked as well as ever, Lovell making him a splendid partner. Lovell has a good deal to learn yet, especially in regard to taking up position, but in good company he will polish off such failings. Marland, at right half, is an indefatigable well-built bustling player, who has taken the fancy of the crowd. Pratt was just as good as he was a fortnight ago, and had on his left his old clubmate, Reg Loram. He played very well, too, at left half, even if his power of recovery is not very marked. Pym had little to do in goal.

The Prowess of Lincoln

And now of the forwards. The outstanding player was a Heavitree youth, eighteen years of age, namely Lincoln. He is a discovery of Mr George Campbell, the secretary of the Supporters' Club. He is fair of hair, and on the slim, small side bigger than Copestake was when he was with Exeter, and much like Garside in style. He is a player with a natural aptitude for the game. For the first ten minutes he was all nerves and a fumbling failure, but after those opening few minutes he improved at a rattle, and long before the end all eyes were on this local lad. He centres and shoots well, and never throws a pass away. From corner kicks he plants the ball beautifully in front of the custodian, but just out of reach, and CQMS King was always in trouble with these deliveries. Lincoln is, in fact, one of the best amateur footballers ever to have worn the City's colours.

Lincoln was helped a lot in this match by Cotter, a Lancashire League player, who has been in a Military Hospital at Paignton and turned out for Exeter though far from fit. He is strikingly like Jack Fort in appearance, and showed signs of being a good player when fully fit.

A Devon Rugger Star's Son

Salter, on the right wing, is the seventeen years old son of the old Devon County and Exmouth wing three-quarter, a star of first magnitude on the Rugger Field in his day. His son has taken to Soccer. He was terribly nervous today to begin with, for it was the first time he had played before a crowd. In the first half the proximity of the grandstand obviously upset him, and he wandered badly towards the centre instead of letting his inside man do the fetching for him. It was not until the last twenty-five minutes that he was showing a semblance of his real worth. He then began to place corner kicks finely and centre well, and enough was seen of him during those closing stages to make it evident that he has football in him. He is nicely built, and has plenty of pluck, in fact, he knows no fear. It is more than likely that Mr Chadwick will persevere with this son of one of Devonshire's very greatest footballers.

Green, of Barnstaple, who came up especially for the match, was right out of luck, while Perry, an Army Pay Corps player and another local lad, seemed to be troubled by an old injury. He possesses good ball control, but could do nothing right near goal. There are several other local players of promise who will be given trials in the near future, including Lock, a centre forward
who learned his football at the Cathedral School, and of whom the
City manager has formed a good opinion, and Evans, of the Artists' Rifles, who has played for Merthyr Town, and is an outside left of much promise at Heavitree.

SATURDAY MARCH 22

EXETER CITY TRIAL MATCH

A fine afternoon, a crowd of well over three thousand, and an entertaining game that ranked high as a practice trial. Such was Exeter City's game today at St. James's Park against the Devonport Dockyard eleven, which included three of Plymouth Argyle's League side, and was accompanied by Mr Bob Jack, the Argyle manager.

The visitors won by one goal to nil, and deservedly so. With a little more certainty in front of goal, in fact, they might easily have made the margin of their victory a much wider one. Their solitary goal was got fifteen minutes from time. Pym was sprawling on the ground after frustrating an attempt by Williams, the Millbrook centre-forward, and Symons, the tall clubmate of the aforesaid Williams, banged the ball into a gaping goal. The Dockers' front line made a bad hash of several promising openings, and their work near the posts was never anything like as good as in the open, with the result that many a good midfield move simply petered out.

Pratt, suffering from a damaged foot sustained in the encounter with the Aglab last week, stood down from the City side, and the half-back line was Byron and Marland, two Lancashire Leaguers, and the City's old reservist, Lieut. Martin, and a very good line it proved to be. Marland, who has quickly sprung into local popularity, has not of course the experience and craftmanship of Pratt, but he is a glutton for work, and very remindful of that that aforetime energetic and acrobatic City half back, Alf Ambler. Byron is of a sturdy physique, and no amount of "rough and tumble" can wipe the smile off his face. Lieut Martin, despite suffering badly in his health during arduous campaigning in France, played with all his old dash, and certainly with more skill in the matter of taking up position than he ever showed in the old days at St James's Park.

The City's forward line consisted of two Aglab players, Baxter and Chunnay, the amateur wingers, Salter and Lincoln, and another local player, Newman. Lincoln had fewer chances than he had last week, yet today's game served to confirm the previously formed high opinion of this eighteen year old Exonian. He has that rare gift in a young amateur, namely the ability to use both feet equally well, and Mr Chadwick can be depended upon, in the course of time, to bring the very best out of him.

Covered Stand at St. James's Park

It is understood that the Supporters' Club is formulating a scheme whereby covered accommodation will be provided at St.James's Park as soon as possible. This will take the form of a shelter, on the opposide side to the grandstand, proving covered accommodation for about five thousand people.

SATURDAY MARCH 29

EXETER CITY V R. F. A.

At St. James's Park, Exeter.

During the time the Royal Field Artillery Cadets were training at Topsham Barracks, local followers of the Association Code saw many good football matches at St James's Park. The match there to day aroused keen interest, and a large crowd witnessed a. clever exposition of the Soccer Code. The teams were R.F.A., Salisbury, and Exeter City.

The visitors fielded a capital side, and every man appeared to be well trained. The combination of the forward line was quite an outstanding feature, and frequently was a source of trouble to the Grecians' defence.

Exeter's forward line was an improvement on that of last week, getting in many combined movements which were fully appreciated by the spectators. Pratt, who was injured in the match against Aglab, turned out again at centre half, and frequently his play gave glimpses of the master mind. His whole work was of the brainy " order, and it is evident that he still has a deal of good football left in him. Sgt.Crawshaw, who figured at left half, has the making of a good player. The centre forward position was well filled by Potter, of Exeter Argyle. Potter, who is the holder of the D.C.M., played crisp, bright football, and was in all respects a clever and unselfish leader. His goal was one of the features of the match, well worked for and equally well deserved.

The Return of Chapman

Today's game was for the most part very fast, and frequently Exeter's forwards got going, only to come up against defence. Bignell, the visitors' right back, played a good game, a rocklike being helpful in many tight corners. His partner, Paines, also did very well. A surprise was caused by the re-appearance of Chapman, the old City goalkeeper, at St James's Park, in the ranks of the Artillery. He had a great deal of work to do, and did it in very businesslike fashion. He seemed to revel in frustrating the close range efforts of the City forwards.

Brooks, inside right, was responsible for much good work, and it was only fitting that his painstaking efforts were rewarded with a goal.

The result, a two goals to one victory for the Grecians, is just about a correct reflex of the game as played. As far as can be seen thus early the Exeter City Club has some promising material already at hand for next season. The City team was: Pym; Lovell, Strettle; Marland, Pratt, Crawshaw; Dunwall, Lock, Potter, Cotter, Lincoln.

SATURDAY APRIL 5:
EXETER CITY v YEOVIL.

Lack of Thrills at St James's Park.

The game served up by Exeter City and the side representing the Yeovil Aircraft Works at St James's Park this afternoon, did not provide the usual football thrills, and left much to be desired from a spectator's point of view. It must, of course, be conceded that the team representing the City was of a mixed description, the idea of these games being to discover any likely local talent that there is about, with a view to team-building for next season. But today's match did not do anything to suit that requirement, and the two former discoveries, Lock and Lincoln, did not show up as well as in their previous games on the same pitch.

Chappell, of Bradninch, partnered Strettle at back, but his form did not stamp him as a defender of more than ordinary junior merit. Marland played an excellent game at right-half, and he took things all the way through with a seriousness and a purpose which would have done some of his colleagues credit had they decided to copy him. There were several pretty bouts of passing, but when either set of forwards got to within striking distance it appeared to the onlooker that they were absolutely at sea as to the geography of the goalposts.

The Yeovil front line was the better balanced. At times their combination was good to watch, and their long passing movements were frequently a source of danger, yet because of the weakness of their work near goal, the danger never materialised. Garratt, outside left, looked a player of great promise. Quick off the mark, he displayed fine control of the ball, and his first-time swings across were well placed as a rule. He frequently had Chappell guessing, and the Bradninch man could make very little of the speedy and clever Yeovil winger.

Penalty Missed

The Yeovil half backs were sound without being brilliant, while ever on the for Be both backs were stout defenders. The goalkeeper was alert, and deserves every credit for saving a penalty kick taken by Pratt.

Pym, in the City goal, was only troubled on three occasions in the entire match, but particularly fine was his save ten minutes from time, from the Yeovil inside right.

Strettle, on account of his partner's "off day" had the bulk of the defending to do as far as the full-backs were concerned, and performed well after a shaky opening. Pratt, who captained Exeter, gave glimpses of his old-time cleverness, and many of his nicely judged passes to the front men ought to have been taken greater advantage of. Pratt's only blemish, in was failing to score from the penalty spot. Crawshaw at times showed undoubted football ability, but his game varied. It is to be hoped that he will cure his present bad habit of delaying his passes.

Lincoln showed touches of great skill; he was certainly given plenty of the ball, yet his play was a disappointment inasmuch as he was inclined to attempt too much in the nature of spectacular play, and consequently he was often robbed of the ball.

Lock, who had created a good impression in earlier matches, was disinclined to "let himself go," and was too easily dispossessed. The other inside forwards were inclined to over-elaborate, and, as a consequence much of the good work of Marland and Pratt came to naught. Beating the same man two or three times looks pretty, but generally comes to grief.

The City team was: Pym; Chappell and Strettle; Marland, Pratt, and Crawshaw; Dunwall, Lock, Potter, Chudley, and Lincoln.

Result: Exeter City 0, Yeovil 0.

SATURDAY APRIL 12.

EXETER ARGYLE DRAW WITH THE CITY.

At St. James's Park.

The season's record of Exeter Argyle of never having been beaten still stands, and the players are proud. And well they might be, for it was a stiff proposition taking on the Exeter City club at their own ground, especially seeing that the Grecians' side contained four players who have figured with distinction in professional Southern League games. There were those among the followers of Association football in the city who considered it presumptuous on the part of juniors at flying so high, but there was a quiet confidence among the Argyle members, and their play throughout justified the match.

EXETER CITY: -

Pym; Cannon and Strettle; Marland, Pratt, and Coates; Dunwall, Lock, Potter, Chudley, and Lincoln.

EXETER ARGYLE: -

Madge; Lovell and Hutchings; Worth, Rouse, and Tapp; Drew, Osborne, Hill, Dovell, and Ward.

The result was a draw of one goal each, and as the game turned out the City can regard themselves as somewhat fortunate.

Notwithstanding the fact that the City scored first and crossed over at half-time with a goal lead, this, instead of dishearten ing the Argyle players, only stimulated them to increased effort, and when they scored the equalising goal it was evident that they had a fair share of support from the crowd. Then it became a "ding dong struggle with both teams going all out to snatch a victory. Argyle had a great chance in the closing stages when, as the result of a sparkling combined forward movement, following a blunder on the part of Cannon, the ball came to the feet of Dovell, who had only to walk through to score, but he failed his side badly at the critical time. It was a bad blunder and cost Argyle the victory.

Two Good Goals.

Both goals were cleverly worked for, and each came as the result of an error on the part of a full-back. Exeter's score was richly merited because it was a splendid piece of opportunism on the part of Lincoln. Profiting by Lovell's mistake he cleverly sized up the chances, drew an opponent who had come across to cut him off, made an inwards pass to Chudley, who took it in his stride, adopted the shortest route to goal and gave Madge no chance whatever with his shot.

The Argyle goal was also cleverly and prettily worked for, Ward applied the finishing touch after several players had done the spade work in what can be truthfully described as a well conceived attacking movement. Ward's shot was well timed and placed far out of the reach of Pym.

Spectacular Football.

The game was well worth watching. It was spectacular football, and for the greater part good football. There was a refreshing swing in the passing, the wingers were given plenty to do, and generally they did their work exceptionally well. There were no attempts at over-elaboration, and the pace of the game was very fast.

Lincoln Back to Form.

Lincoln was a decided improvement on last week, and gave signs of his undoubted football ability. His play today was a striking contract with his form against Yeovil, for he got quickly off the mark, showed good ball control, and placed his centres accurately enough to cause trouble to the Argyle defence. With the experience which can only be gained by playing in better class football, he will prove of great value to Exeter City in more serious games than that of today. Marley was a worker all the time, Chudley produced a very skilful performance, and Dunwall did many good things. Coates, a former Exeter City player who was transferred to Southampton in 1912, was given a trial in the half-back line, and mostly showed cleverness and cleanliness in his work.

GOOD FRIDAY, APRIL 18.

PLYMOUTH ARGYLE V EXETER CITY.

Fine Win by the Grecians at Home Park.

There was a big holiday crowd of twelve thousand to welcome the appearance at Home Park of Plymouth Argyle and Exeter City. On the Argyle side eight of the pre-war professionals figured, while had seven, including Coates, who had been transferred, in 1912, to Southampton. Wilcox won the toss for Plymouth, and Exeter were set to face the sun. Burch, after fine work by Johnson, forced Pym to concede a corner from a fast drive. This was cleared, but the smart combination of the Plymouth forwards kept the City defence busy. McCormick and Burch just failed with good efforts. Dockray worked his way through nicely for Exeter, and Crawshaw, receiving, sent in a pile-driver that Randall fumbled, but eventually cleared. The City pressed strongly, and Makin shot wide after neat work on the right wing. 

A clever move by Johnson put Burch through, but he delayed his shot and was crowded off the ball by Coates. Rigby stopped Burch and passed forward to Goodwin, who raced clean through. The centre forward was overtaken by Russell, who kicked to touch. Plymouth, with McCormick and Wilcox prominent, controlled much of the play, and first Russell, then Kirkpatrick put fast shots over the bar. The Argyle continued to press, but could not beat Pym, who saved brilliantly from Cox, Burch, and McCormick. At half time there was still no score.

Second Half.

Argyle opened strongly, Cox putting them on the attack with a brilliant run. Strettle eased the pressure, and a spirited burst by Makin and Herbert forced Atterbury to give a corner, which Wilcox cleared. Exeter at last got going, and Dockray and Herbert made a splendid run, but Russell, who was brilliant in clever defensive tactics, got the better of them. The Argyle took up the running, and a terrific shot from Burch struck the crossbar. The Argyle's best chance of all came when they were awarded a penalty, but Pym saved Wilcox's shot, the ball going behind for a fruitless corner.

Pym made another fine save, this time from Raymond, and Burch missed the easiest of chances following a smart run and centre by Blott. Eventually a strong move by Wilcox enabled Burch to pass to Johnson, who beat Pym with a beautiful slantwise drive.

Within the next minute Herbert put Exeter on the attack, and the ball was passed to Goodwin, who beat Russell and scored a lovely goal, his left footed shot flashing into the net before Randall could move. Exeter kept up a fine aggressive movement, and Russell, attempting to clear, gave a corner. This was beautifully placed by Dockray, and Makin scored the winning goal with a rising shot into the top corner of the net.

Exeter City 2 Plymouth Argyle 1.

Argyle;- Randall; Russell and Atterbury; McCormick, Wilcox, and Cox; Kirkpatrick, Raymond, Burch, Johnson, and Blott.

City:- Pym; Coates and Strettle; Rigby, Pratt, and Marland; Herbert, Makin, Goodwin, Crawshaw, and Dockray.

SATURDAY APRIL 19.

Glut of Goals at St James's Park.

The crowd today had plenty for their money, both in the way of goals and good football. The teams on view were Exeter City and a R.F.A. eleven captained by Chapman, the former City goalie.

The City won by ten goals to two, and as the score indicates, Exeter clearly demonstrated their superiority after the opening few minutes, and at half-time led by four goals to one. But as the game went in the first half the Army did not deserve to be three goals t behind at the interval.

In the second half the Grecian attackers simply revelled in a feast of scoring, and rolled through another six of the best. The soldiers replied with a single. The scorers for Exeter were J.Makin (5), Goodwin (4), T.Makin (1).

The scorers for the army were Brooks and Marshall.

Easter Monday, April 21.

CITY REPEAT THE DOSE.

Argyle Defeated at St James's Park.

A holiday crowd of between five and six thousand accorded the teams a flattering reception at St James's Park this afternoon.

Glorious weather prevailed, and a rousing game was witnessed, although it was repeatedly a tale of missed goals. The Argyle came to avenge the Good Friday defeat at Home Park, but they were not so strongly represented today. Exeter fielded a good side, but Herbert was a non-starter, his place being taken by Brooks, who played for the R.F.A. at Exeter on Saturday. The price of admission to the ground was 1/-.

City: Pym; Coates and Strettle; Rigby, Marland, and Crawshaw; Brooks, T.Makin, Goodwin, J.Makin, and Dockray.

Argyle: Randall; Russell and Killeen; McCormick, Wilcox, Forbes; Kirkpatrick, Raymond, Burch, Johnson, and Potts. and

The first half was only productive of one goal, and this came to Exeter. The point was thoroughly well deserved, and equally well worked for. J.Makin got on the move, and tricking Russell, sent out to Dockray. The Exeter winger took the pass on the run, worked his way in, and after cleverly drawing Killeen, sent out to Brooks, on the opposite wing. Brooks came in at full pelt, and unleashing a first-time drive beat Randall all ends up. It was a wonderfully fine effort on the part of Brooks, and he clearly deserved all the applause he got.

This reverse stimulated the Argyle to greater effort, and their forwards, swinging the ball about well, repeatedly caused trouble. However, their final efforts, close in, left much to be desired. Burch skied the ball over the bar on two occasions, and Wilcox put in a straight shot that Pym did well to clear. Late in the first half Dockray had a glorious chance to increase the City's lead, but he failed badly from close range. Half-time came with the City showing the way by a goal to nil

Second Half.

The Argyle commenced the second half in really business like fashion, and penned Exeter to their own territory. Wilcox worked his way through but shot just wide, and in a brief raid to the other end Dockray brought the best out of Randall, and a further left wing thrust was cleared by Russell. Then the Argyle took the game in hand again, and Pym and his backs were given a roasting, but Strettle headed out from Raymond, Kirkpatrick shot yards wide, and Pym saved from Burch and Johnson. A glorious chance fell to Johnson, who missed, Burch and Potts did likewise, and it was the erratic shooting of the Argyle forwards in these stages. that letting them down. Was

Another brief visit by Exeter to the Argyle end gave Dockray a chance, but he ballooned the ball high over the bar. Argyle then made another grand attack, and the City defence wavered but did not fall. Potts got going on the right, and rounding Strettle swung a fast centre across and the City goal escaped sensationally at the expense of a corner. From the flag kick Potts sent well into the goalmouth and the ball was momentarily cleared, but only as far as McCormick, who crashed the leather into the net with a first time full blooded drive. The Argyle had done so much attacking in this half that with any luck at all they were bound to score sooner or later.

The Winning Goal.

The Argyle, having levelled matters, went all out for the winning goal, but their finishing was woefully weak, and when the winner did come it was scored by Exeter. A clever piece of dribbling on the part of Dockray put Goodwin in possession, and he beat Randall all ends up with a beautifully timed drive which shook the rigging. From this point to the conclusion the Argyle made desperate but unavailing efforts to level up matters again, but the defence held and Exeter ran out winners by two goals to one. The City won the match because they seized their chances, and the Argyle, with many more opportunities, failed to accept them, and thereby lost. Territorially the Plymothians had far more of the game than the City, but their inside forwards failed their side badly at the critical moment. It was a clean and sporting game throughout, and generally speaking the spectators had value for money, despite the increased prices.

A Tale of Missed Goals.

Of spectacular football there was plenty, and the manner in which Burch got his line going with long, swinging passes, was a treat to watch. Danger threatened on countless occasions, yet in nearly every case, when they had worked themselves into a striking position the Argyle inside forwards would either balloon the ball over the bar or shoot yards wide. It was a tale of missed goals, and in this respect Exeter were also to blame but nothing like as much as the Argyle.

Both goalkeepers were in form, and neither can be blamed for any of the goals. In fact, all three goals were copybook efforts, good approach moves being finished off with lusty drives to the net. Russell, the Welsh International, was the best back on the field, although Strettle and Coates had the most to do. Russell's tackling, interventions, and kicking bore the hall-mark of class.

Marland a Rare Worker.

of the half backs the outstanding player was Wilcox, the Argyle captain. He continually plied the men in front of him with timely and accurate passes, every one placed to the best advantage, and his play throughout was clever, forceful, and untiring. Marland was the best of the Exeter trio; he is a rare worker, and seems always to position himself to cover any fault that is going. Rigby is of course out of practice, but he improved on his previous displays, and there is no doubt that Exeter's skipper will soon be back to his best form.

The Exeter forwards as a quintette were not so well together as on Saturday, but naturally one has to appreciate that they were up against a vastly different proposition. Goodwin, with Wilcox ever on hand watching him closely, was not allowed much scope, but got in many clever touches, and his goal, the winner, was a beauty.

Dockray was the better of the wingers, although he missed two eash chances of scoring. Brooks must be given every credit for his goal, a beautiful first-time shot. The two Makins were not so much in the picture as on Saturday.

Saturday April 26.

WIND AND WHISTLE AT ST JAMES'S PARK.

GRECIANS V YARDIES.

This match, between Exeter City and Devonport Dockyard, was to a very great extent spoilt by the high wind, and there certainly was an abundance of whistle, the referee in this respect having an undoubted "afternoon out." Referees are there, naturally, for the purpose of controlling the game, and to pull players up when they infringe the rules, but it can be overdone, which in this case it was. It cannot be said that there was a lack of "tootling," but unfortunately there was a lack of first class football.

The Devonport Dockyarders brought a level side, and included players well known in Plymouth and District football. They were a well balanced side, though their defence was better than their attack, generally speaking. Exeter fielded a good workable side, though not their strongest possible; a trial was given to Tapp, of Exeter Argyle, and Potter, also of the Argyle, led the forwards.

Potter's Clever Goal.

Exeter opened the scoring with a goal thoroughly deserved. A grand passing movement by the front line resulted in the ball going to Lincoln, who centred first time to Potter. The centre - forward headed the ball over one of the backs, swung round and fired the leather into the net before it had reached the ground.

In the second half Chudley scored for the City with brisk a first-time shot, while Watts beat Pym in similar manner. This was the extent of the scoring, Exeter winning by 2 goals to one.

The End of the 1918/19 season

Today's match brought Exeter's abbreviated season of 1918-1919 to a conclusion, the club having played ten, won six, drawn two, and lost two. Goals scored 21, goals lost 14. The City team today was: Pym, Coates, Strettle, Marland, Pratt, Tapp, Herbert, Crawshaw, Potter, Chudley, and Lincoln.