A THRILLING derby day victory was secured by Falmouth Town’s reserve side over Penryn Athletic’s second team, even though they nearly threw away a four goal lead.

The local rivals met at Kernick Road in the preliminary round of the Jolly’s Combination League Cup on Saturday with the visitors returning home with a 4-3 win.

Life had appeared easy for Town as they went 4-0 up before half time thanks to a hat-trick from striker Dominic Pullen plus a goal from Sam Bromley.

However, the away side’s management made a couple of substitutions to give younger players game time in the second half.

What they did not anticipate was a fightback from the hosts as a double from Greg Hobbs and a Rhys Allen strike got Athletic to within one goal.

But Town were able to hang on and reach the first round, where they will meet Illogan RBL Reserves at home on November 22.

Wayne Hughes, manager of Falmouth, said it was good to progress in the cup, even if it was a bit more nailbiting than expected.

“The aim was just to get through,” he said.

“The boys were a bit disappointed because they wanted to put on a good performance and they let it slip a bit in the second half.

“But I’ve played in plenty of Falmouth/Penryn derbies in the past and there has been so many times when we played better, but Penryn won, so I’m happy to get the result.”