A wonderful second-half volley from Alex Wharton secured a comeback victory for Falmouth Town as they defeated Saltash United 2-1 in the extra preliminary round of the FA Cup.
Town were a goal down after 40 minutes when Callum Merrin opened the scoring with a great finish underneath Ryan Barnes.
But Merrin went from hero to zero as he was shown a second yellow card after the break following a scuffle when Town’s Jack Webber was fouled on the edge of the box in the 59th minute.
Following the red card James Swan scored in the next passage of play tapping in the rebound after Jack Bray-Evans initial free-kick hit the bar.
It was all Falmouth after this and they got the crucial goal to set up a tie with Helston Athletic in the next round when Alex Wharton smashed in a volley with 11 minutes remaining.
Despite a whole host of changes Falmouth started the game on the front foot with winger Alex Wharton having two attempts in the opening stages.
But unfortunately for Town both of the number 11’s efforts long-range strikes flew over the bar.
It wasn’t long before Falmouth’s shot-stopper Ryan Barnes was in action. The goalkeeper was required with just five minutes on the clock to stretch out a firm right hand to keep out a powerful drive from Sam Hughes.
Saltash began to take control of the game having the majority of possession without ever dangerously threatening Town. Jake Miller fired into the stand and Callum Merrin had a goal ruled out for offside as the Ashes chased the game’s first goal.
Tom Annear looked to get on the scoresheet on 21 minutes with what would have been a repeat of his goal against Millbrook on Tuesday night. But this time, his free kick flew over the bar.
The centre back, who was Town’s captain for the day was in the thick of it throughout the first half, often flinging himself into last-ditch challenges to keep Saltash at bay.
When Town did threaten their end product let them down. Kayden Gordon-Dunn started a lovely move out from the back that included some neat pass and move play from the home midfield.
The passage ended in Jack Bray-Evans having a pop from outside the box but the left footed shot was easily claimed by the keeper with 35 minutes played.
Five minutes before the half time whistle Saltash did eventually take the lead with a goal which had been coming.
The Ashes kept an attack alive and found Merrin with an inch perfect switched ball. The winger did superbly well to bring it down on his chest before rolling the ball beneath the onrushing Barnes and into the back of the net in front of the home fans.
Town, who came from behind twice against Wellington in their season opener, fought back instantly when Oli Pickup’s cross was met by Wharton but his volley was straight at Jordan Duffy.
Wharton had the final chance of the half after latching onto an accurately placed long ball from Annear, but the Town winger could only power a shot over the crossbar in the 44th minute as Saltash went in a goal to the good.
Saltash came out immediately looking for a second goal and they forced Ryan Barnes into a super save just two minutes into the second half when the keeper got down low to keep out a volley from Hughes.
He was then at his best to deny Jake Miller minutes later from the right side as the game threatened to get away from Town.
Bray-Evans had a glorious opportunity to get Falmouth level in the 51st minute after he caught Callum O’Brien in possession. But the forward’s effort was smothered by the visiting keeper.
In the 59th minute the momentum of the game completely changed when Merrin was brandished a second yellow card following a scuffle just outside the area.
And with the Saltash winger heading for an early shower Falmouth got right back in the game with a goal from one of their new signings.
A 25 yard free kick from Bray-Evans curled agonizingly onto the crossbar, but fortunately for Falmouth James Swan was following up to knock the ball into the vacant net in the 60th minute.
The extra man and the goal gave Town that extra bit of belief they were after. Wharton went close with 65 minutes played but could only strike over the bar.
Saltash were still fiercely battling away in search of a winner but it was Town who were having more of the ball without seriously testing the keeper. Kirk Davies had a rare venture forward for the hosts but could only strike a low effort straight at Jordan Duffy with 77 minutes played.
But with 11 minutes to go Falmouth took the lead with a piece of FA Cup magic from Wharton. Town attacked down the right with Swan, who did incredibly well to pick out the winger in the middle.
He still had a lot to do but the number 11 kept composure to sensationally strike a volley into the bottom left corner to almost take the roof off the Packet End following the celebrations.
Despite being a man down Saltash kept battling and deep into stoppage time forced Ryan Barnes into two inspired saves to keep Town in the trophy to spark immense celebrations at the full time win.
A courageous win for Town, their first in all competitions this season. They play Helston Athletic in the next round of the cup on Saturday, August 20.
Lineups:
Falmouth Town: R.Barnes, S. Pickup, K. Davies, K.Gordon-Dunn, T. Annear. A. Calleja-Stayne, J. Webber, A. Wharton, J. Bray-Evans, J. Swan. O. Pickup.
Subs: C. Edney, J. Ward, A. Westgarth
Saltash United: J. Duffy, D. Lewis, C. O’Brien, C. Elkington, S. farrant, H. Wilson, C. Merrin, H. Davis, S. Hughes, A. Cairo, J. Miller,
Subs: S. Leary, A. Wotton, A. Carter
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here