Falmouth Town 4, Exmouth Town 1

FALMOUTH Town recorded only their second SWPL Premier win at Bickland Park since October when they beat in-form Exmouth Town 4-1 on Saturday, writes Matt Friday.

They produced one of their best displays of the season ahead of the Senior Cup semi-final against Saltash at St Austell tomorrow evening (7.30pm).

Jordan Annear’s early header got Town off and running before goals from Tom Annear, Dan Richardson and Rob Wearne sealed Falmouth’s return to the top half of the table.

Annear opened the scoring in the seventh minute after heading James Ward’s diagonal cross past goalkeeper Kurtis Parkin and into the opposite corner.

Exmouth created very little in the opening quarter of the game, but found themselves on level terms on 27 minutes when Luke Durham curled the ball past Ryan Barnes.

The goal gave the visitors confidence and they began to take control of the game, with Jordan Charran missing an excellent chance to take the lead just before half-time.

Exmouth, seeking their 10th away win of the season, spurned another good chance when a cross towards unmarked striker Karl Rickard was intercepted in the nick of time.

Those missed chances proved costly as Falmouth restored their lead nine minutes into the second half courtesy of Tom Annear, whose 20-yard strike left Parkin rooted to his spot.

The game was now nicely poised with both sides coming close to scoring. Olly Walker’s goalbound lob was cleared before Charran forced a good save out of Barnes.

The pendulum swung Falmouth’s way as they doubled their lead on 77 minutes. Jordan Annear played in Dan Richardson who guided the ball into the far corner from 12 yards.

Exmouth pushed men forward which left them vulnerable at the back, allowing Rob Wearne to score Falmouth’s fourth goal in injury-time to put the gloss on an impressive victory.

Falmouth: R Barnes, J Ward, E Timmons, T Whipp, J Cooper, T Annear, D Richardson, J Stocker (R Pope 67), R Wearne, J Annear, O Walker (H Clarke 74).

Packet Pick: J Annear – worked hard throughout, stretched the Exmouth defence and scored a good header.

Falmouth’s next league match is away at Ivybridge Town on Saturday.