Falmouth Town 2 Liskeard Athletic 1

A Dan Richardson brace helped Falmouth Town secure a vital three points at home against Liskeard, and boosted their hopes of avoiding relegation from the SWPL premier division.

But it was a far from comfortable - or convincing - victory for John Dent's side, who went two up early on before defender Hugh Howlett's freakish own goal towards the end of the first half allowed the Blues back into the game.

Richardson opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 13th minute after Rob Wearne was brought down in the box by veteran Roger Bonaparte.

And a Town doubled their lead ten minutes later when Richardson's long range daisy-cutter bobbled over Liskeard keeper Adam Bainbridge and into the far corner.

But the visitors were handed a lifeline ten minutes before the break when Howlett badly misjudged a back pass, and somehow managed to chip Danny Burrows in the Falmouth goal from 40 yards out.

After the break Liskeard grew into the game, with Sam Gilbert excellent at the heart of their midfield, and substitute  Ben Waters a constant threat up front.

But Town should have extended their lead when Wearne played Richardson in on goal in the 55th minute, only for the midfielder to pull up with a hamstring injury as he was about to shoot.

Waters hit the crossbar soon after for Liskeard, as the visitors enjoyed a spell of pressure.

But despite the deteriorating conditions, Dent's side were able to hold on for the win which, in the absence of any other games this afternoon, moves them up to 17th in the table.

FALMOUTH: Danny Burrows, Ed Timmons, Scott Kelliw, Joe Cooper, Hugh Howlett, Tom Whipp (c), Gary Bell, Dan Richardson ( Andy Westgarth 61), Ross Pope, Rob Wearne, Dom Batchelor. Subs (not used): Luke Appleton, Steve Retchford.

LISKEARD ATHLETIC: Adam Bainbridge, Reece Small, Connor Brinnicombe, Sam Gilbert, Roger Bonaparte, Roger Quintance (c), Ben Collins, Jarad Woods (Ben Waters 18) , Adam Gregory, Macauley Thorp, Jon Savigar (Matt Outram 65). Subs (not used): Ben Ramdas, Harry Bartlett, Blake Penhaligon.