FALMOUTH TOWN 2-1 EXMOUTH TOWN
Falmouth Town belied their lower league status with a convincing display yesterday against their Southern League opponents, despite the absence of influential captain James Ward, Bradley Leivers and Ollie Walker. The team being taken by Town Legend Tommy Matthews in the absence of manager Andy Westgarth.
With a strong wind at their back, Exmouth took an early lead when the Falmouth defence couldn’t deal with a cross into the box and keeper Morgan Coxhead was beaten low to his left. However, soon after, Falmouth started to control possession and for the majority of the half totally outplayed Exmouth with some fine inter-passing amongst their talented midfield three of Andreas Calleja-Stayne, Jack Webber and Jared Sims. Sims in particular stood out with his perfect first touch and one or two-touch football which really made Falmouth tick. Exmouth defended well whilst Falmouth seemed to struggle a little with the final ball and the half finished at 1-0 to the visitors.
The 2nd half continued in the same vein although Exmouth looked dangerous on the break with their pacey numbers 7 & 11. (Sorry but didn’t catch their names). The turn-around seemed to come with the introduction of Luke Barner at around the hour mark. His tireless running with and without the ball seemed to unsettle the Exmouth side and things started to happen. Falmouth then introduced Cam Hutchison and went to three at the back with Callejas-Stayne dropping back to Centre-half. Within minutes, Falmouth had equalised. After another attack, the ball was cleared to Tom Annear who rifled a magnificent shot in to the top corner from outside the box. Falmouth then went in search of the victory. After a brilliant piece of build-up play, the ball was worked out to Alex Wharton on the left and he crossed to the near post where Luke Brabyn had got in front of his marker. Brabyn got a touch on the ball which was enough to send it goal-wards, beating the Exmouth keeper.
Falmouth were then understandably put under some pressure by Exmouth and dropped a little deeper but held on quite comfortably to claim a great win. An excellent team performance masterminded by Tommy Matthews whose substitutions changed the game.
UP THE TOWN!!