SATURDAY 21st DECEMBER 1968.

EARLY LEAD BUT THEN COUNTY TAKE OVER.

NOTTS COUNTY 3
Rose; Worthington, Smith; Farmer, Needham, Gibson; Bates, Barker, BraddMasson, Elliott,

EXETER CITY 1,
Shearing; Smyth, Blain; Balson, Sharples, Newman; Corr, Pinkney, Curtis, Kirkham, Pleat.

Scorers:
Notts County Bradd 2, Masson,
Exeter Corr

Attendance: 4,605,

There was no pre Christmas cheer for Exeter City in the Midlands. After being a goal up City were beaten by Notts County who have now gone six games without defeat. City's new singing Brian Sharples made his debut, also in the side was College student Alan Pinkney, City took a shock lead after 22 minutes, Mike Balson fed John Corr who beat a defender to score from about 15 yards. City's lead was shortlived, for 9 minutes later Bradd gave Peter Shearing no chance for the equaliser, County were now in a rampant mood and City were lucky to be on terms at the interval. In the second half County still attacked strongly with Masson hitting a post before the inevitable happened in the 65th minuteBradd scored his second goal of the game from close range. A short spell of attacking by Exeter relieved the pressure, they forced a couple of corners with Dave Pleat heading wide on one occasion. It was Notts County though, who always looked dangerousThey had the final say when in the last minute Masson's shot span out of Shearing's grasp and into the net.

Match Summary 

Notts County continued their recent revival, this time at City's expense, and their new £10,000 signing, Richie Barker from Derby County, played a major role in their victory. City were lively enough throughout and it was not until the last minute that County got the third goal which made both points safe for them. Johnny Corr scored City's goal. Les Bradd (2) and Don Masson netted County.

Brian Sharples made his debut for City in this game.