Read the match report from Vale’s first-ever visit to Exeter City when even an injury to the Valiants goalkeeper can’t prevent a comprehensive win.
The season
It was Port Vale’s first season in the Third Division South. Despite this performance, the season itself was a struggle. They lost Ken Fish to Swiss side BSC Young Boys, striker Jack Roberts picked up an injury and manager Tom Morgan resigned in March to join Wrexham. As a result, Vale picked up one point from seven games. The side finally rallied in the final three games picking up five points to finish 18th out of 20, just avoiding re-election.
The game
Port Vale’s first encounter against Exeter City took place on the 29th October 1938. The game turned out to be a great performance by the Valiants, who even overcame goalkeeper Arthur Jepson (who was also a county cricketer for Nottinghamshire) sustaining a dislocated finger. The goalscorers were prolific Jack “Nipper” Roberts with two and another from Alf Bellis. Vale later completed the double over Exeter with a 3-2 home win later in the season.
The clipping
Related content
A little bit more on two goal striker Jack Roberts…
And a similar feature on then Vale manager Tom Morgan…
Vale finished 15th out of 22 in 1937-38.
18th out of 22 in 1938-39