Falmouth picked up an important victory with this narrow win over champions Bodmin Town last Wednesday evening.
With another meeting in the Throgmorton Cup on Thursday 22nd, Town can go into the game knowing that they are capable of beating the best, despite their patchy start to the season.
The home side had a half fit Jason Chapman back in goal with Bryan Scoffin serving a one match ban and at left back was the versatile Richard Kellow who was making his first start of the season – and a more than capable goalkeeper should the situation arise.
Falmouth had the ball in the net after ten minutes, but the effort was ruled out for offside.
The home side had more attacking possession in the opening stages with Bodmin threatening on the odd occasion.
One of these raids was in the 24th minute when Huw Morgan embarked on a good run and forced a good save from Chapman.
A minute later came the only goal of the game. A deep left wing cross from Kellow was headed on into the path of Bobby Bryant who hit a thunderous left foot volley from the edge of the box into the bottom right hand corner of Kevin Miller’s goal.
Chapman, playing with a heavily strapped shoulder wasn’t really tested in the opening period and for the remainder of the first half his only task was to deal with the crosses, which he did with ease.
The Bodmin defence too wasn’t really stretched and apart from two corners in which both headers were blocked, it remained firm and resulted in a midfield battle.
The visitors came out on the offensive in the second half but Town’s defence was resolute with Chapman often out quickly to thwart the attackers. The only chance a Bodmin player had a free shot on goal was Mark Berry who skied his effort.
Falmouth had Danny O’Hagan booked in the 71st minute for dissent.
Either side of this both teams had penalty shouts waved away by referee Tim Burley. Ben Stidwell’s shoulder to shoulder challenge was deemed fair, as was the trip by Lewis Reed.
In the 76th minute, the visitors brought on Ben Smallridge and Chris Luxton to add more to the attack. It nearly paid dividends with Chapman getting a vital touch to a shot before Tom Smith cleared.
Craig Swiggs was also introduced minutes later in an attempt to salvage a point or more from the game.
Miller was down sharply to prevent Bryant getting on the end of a goalbound header.
Falmouth made a change in the 85th minute with Lee Coxon coming on for Richard Kellow.
In the 90th minute, Miller made a fine blocking save to deny the impressive Ryan Fice netting against his former club.
A minute later Bryant was cautioned for a foul and was immediately substituted by Ollie Gibson on what was to be his last outing for Falmouth.
Four minutes into stoppage time, Miller made another good save, this time with his feet to deny Tom Barwell.
Berry had the final chance of the game but his effort curled away from goal and harmlessly out for a goal kick.
Falmouth hung on to record a massive win – and leave Bodmin with an incentive in the Throgmorton Cup in two weeks. In the three league games they have played at Bickland, they have yet to score……