FALMOUTH TOWN failed to follow up their excellent midweek win over Saltash United with another on Saturday, instead falling to a 1-0 defeat at home to Exmouth Town, writes Matt Friday.

The hosts struggled to break down a well-organised Exmouth defence, with Ace High’s header in the 58th minute enough to win the game for the Devon club.

Both sides struggled to create chances in a quiet first 45 minutes. Falmouth’s best efforts fell to David Blizzard and Jordan Annear, who both saw shots blocked in good positions.

Exmouth didn’t do much better, although striker Ace High saw his 18-yard effort superbly tipped over the crossbar by Ryan Barnes in the 16th minute.

Falmouth’s only shot on target in the match came four minutes into the second half. Josh Richards’ run ended with the ball at Harry Clarke’s feet, but he shot straight at Joe Moore.

The visitors enjoyed a much brighter second-half, with Karl Rickard striking the upright on 51 minutes before forcing another good save out of Barnes two minutes later.

However they didn’t have to wait much longer before they had their noses in front. It came on 58 minutes when High superbly headed Martin Finneron’s cross past Barnes.

Town struggled to even threaten Moore’s goal until the final few minutes. Player-manager Andrew Westgarth fired narrowly wide, before Annear’s shot was deflected over soon after.

Exmouth missed a chance to put the game to bed in the 89th minute when Barnes saved substitute Sam Rawlings’ strike, and then immediately got up to block a follow-up effort.

Falmouth did have a shout for a penalty in injury-time when Annear’s shot bounced onto an Exmouth arm, but their protests were waved away by the officials.

Falmouth: R Barnes, D Blizzard, O Moody, J Ward, J Cooper (c), J Richards (T Annear 58), L Brabyn, D Broglino, M Jones (A Westgarth 78), J Annear, H Clarke (R Wearne 58).

Packet Pick: Ryan Barnes – did well to limit Exmouth to just one goal with some excellent saves throughout.

Falmouth travel to St Austell on Tuesday night before a trip to Launceston on Saturday.