Saturday, February 26th 1910. Southern League Match.
EXETER CITY v. NORTHAMPTON TOWN Cobblers Win at St. James's Park:

Northampton 3, Exeter City 2. It can hardly be said that the City deserved to lose, yet at the same time it cannot be denied that the display of Northampton in the first half fully merited their lead of two goals at the interval.

Exeter commenced very strongly, Garside opening the scoring in the first minute from a centre by Watson. This success, however was only temporary, for they fell off considerably as the game progressed. On the other hand the Cobblers quickly settled down to a very methodical game, and despite the heavy nature of the ground they made progress very rapidly when on the move. Their forwards, keeping the ball close, invariably bewildered the Exeter defence, and it was not long before Lewis netted the equaliser. Northampton's second goal was the result of clever footwork between Lewis and Freeman, the latter beating Crossthwaite with a splendid drive from about ten yards. Following this Green, benefitting from a mistake by Brittan, burst through, and when tackled by Bonthron, slipped the ball to Bell. The latter had a unique opportunity of equalising, but to the amazement of the crowd, shot tamely into Thorpe's hands.

NORTHAMPTON'S THIRD GOAL

After this escape the Cobblers retaliated strongly, and from a centre by Freeman, Lessons headed their third goal. The restart of the game in the attack, and after ten minutes Green goals in front, saw Exeter on in the second half, with Northampton two reduced the lead. There was now a chance of saving the game, and the City kept up a strong bombardment on the visiting goal, but Thorpe's agility prevented them scoring. Just before the finish Exeter were awarded a penalty for "hands" against Bonthron. Chadwick took the kick, but the wet ball slid off the side of his boot and went hopelessly wide. It is a rare event for Chadwick to miss from the penalty spot.

A FINE DEFENCE
It was the Cobblers' defence alone that saved them in the last twenty minutes. Thorpe played brilliantly in goal, and was responsible for some spectacular saves, but he was ably supported by his backs, together with McCartney and McDiarmid, and to a lesser extent, Whittaker, who is really a forward. Teams :
CITY: Crossthwaite; Crelley, Jones; Atkinson, Chadwick, Hartley; Copestake, Watson, Green, Bell, and Garside.
COBBLERS:- Thorpe; Bonthron, Brittan; Whittaker, McCartney, McDiarmid; Walden, Walker, Lessons, Lewis, and Freeman.

Referee: Mr R. Pook, of Southsea.

PLYMOUTH AND DISTRICT LEAGUE.
Reserves beat the Marines.

Exeter City Reserves won for the first time since December 11th, by two goals to one against the Royal Marines at the Brickfields. Exeter's goals were both scored by Martin in the first half, and Taylor, who distinguished himself by getting both the Marines' goals at Exeter recently, reduced the lead after the interval.
Considering the fact that several professionals are available for reserve matches, the results in the Plymouth and District League have been disappointing, to say the least. Only five victories have been won out of eighteen games, with nine lost and four drawn. There is a feeling that with the experience of the professionals to draw upon the Reserves could do much better.