28th October 1972
Football League
Exeter 0-0 Newport County

What the papers said!

SOUTH WALES FOOTBALL ARGUS: Newport can thank goal keener John Macey for their point at Exeter this afternoon. In a bitterly fought game where chances were at a premium and mistakes could have proved fatal, he brought off a handful of saves which made the County's trip worthwhile. Up front County did a lot of running and looked especially dangerous down the left flank, but against a commanding Exeter defence they found it difficult to get a clear sight of goal.

Sunday Express
Two things stopped nippy Newport getting their first win at Exeter in 14 years their inept finishing and Exeter's tough defence. Exeter's unbeaten home record; it looked as if they might end Exeter's unbeaten home record. In a furious opening spell, Exeter were besieged. But they survived, and the game settled down to a more even pattern. Newport's good approach work
came to nothing against Exeter's rock-like defence. Only a shot from Andy White that streaked across the goal mouth and a smart drive from Len Hill troubled Bob Wilson. Exeter also had their moments. A fine cross from Graham Parker was nodded on by Alan Banks and Steve Stacey's header had to be pushed away. A couple of crosses from Exeter winger Tony Scott had to be dealt with by goalkeeper John Macey, who also brought off a dramatic save from a header following a Stacey free kick. The second half saw Exeter coming much more into the picture. Although Newport continued to move the ball about smartly, mid field, their finishing was still weak. Exeter were not much better, although they had some bad luck. A cross from Scott found centre half Jimmy Giles, whose header dropped on to the top of the bar. Macey did well to save a drive from Stacey which bounced awk wardly. Then there was tre a mendous drive from Parker which just scraped over the bar. 

Exeter 0, Newport 0
Newport's home-grown talent gave injury-hit Exeter a rough time and collected valuable point. Strikers Willie Brown and Rod Jones hammered away at City's weakened defence, and only slack finishing prevented them from scoring. Jones should have got one near the end, after breaking through on the right, but he skied his shot over the bar. Brown put the ball in the net, but the goal was disallowed. This was the closest they went to taking both points although Andy White continued to trouble. Exeter with fine work on the wing. City's usually strong defence dithered. Midfield mainstay Balson, injured for the first time in two seasons, was badly missed. His rugged mid-field partner, Parker, making a return after injury, made little impression. Up front, Exeter missed the scheming of skipper Gibson - but despite their lack of punch, they had their chances. Banks had a header that Macey just managed to palm on to a post, and top scorer Binney had a shot
saved on the line. Newport, who have made such a good start and are within reach of the leaders, concentrated defence. 
Sunday People