Falmouth returned from North Devon with a narrow 1-0 win and a win bonus for progression in this FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round tie after negotiating their way past Western League Premier Division side, Ilfracombe Town.
Alan Carey made one change from the side that lost narrowly in the opening Peninsula League game the week before; Richard Wilcox was available and he started in place of Rob Carey who was named on the bench. Dave Rawlings was due to start, but his late arrival due to traffic congestion meant he was also named as a substitute.
The conditions at Marlborough Park didn’t help either side as the breeze and misty rain swirled around the ground giving little respite through the afternoon.
Falmouth missed a good chance early on when Matt Drummond’s effort was well held by Steve Oliver in the Ilfracombe goal.
Meanwhile at the other end, a dipping 25 yard shot from Mark Gilfillan had Jason Chapman backpedalling and he managed to tip the ball over the bar.
With Tom Smith excelling in the visiting defence, the home side were often reduced to long range efforts and the first of these went just wide.
Nick Pugliese became the first of four Town bookings in the 15th minute when he was cautioned for a foul and a minute later, Danny O’Hagan prodded the ball home following a goalmouth scramble only to see the goal disallowed for offside.
In the 19th minute, Matt Drummond challenged Oliver for the ball on the edge of the area and it broke free for Neil Slateford whose shot was cleared off the line. Drummond was first to the rebound, but his effort was just wide.
Hugh Howlett and Smith both made timely tackles before Mark Clunie drove a low shot at goal which brought a fine save from Chapman.
Jimmy Alexander received a yellow card on the half hour for a foul.
Falmouth made a change at the interval with Nigel Thwaites being replaced by Jamie Thomson, who, eleven minutes later was booked for a foul.
Following a knock, Ben Stidwell was replaced in the 61st minute by Dave Rawlings.
Lee Francis tried another long range shot for Ilfracombe which Chapman gathered at the second attempt.
Ross Middleton was booked for a foul on Drummond on the edge of the box, but the resultant free kick came to nothing.
The deciding goal came in the 67th minute. The instrumental Slateford slipped a perfect through pass to O’Hagan who rode the challenge of a defender before striking the ball low into the corner of the net from the edge of the box to the delight of the travelling Town faithful.
As the game entered the last quarter, Howlett received a yellow card for a foul on the edge of the area. The free kick was chipped in, but the ball was headed wide.
Rob Carey replaced Drummond late on.
Falmouth continued to dominate and Slateford could have scored twice with his first shot following a good run behind blocked and John Vooght blocked his second blaster.
Chapman also made a good save to keep the scoreline intact and former Town defender Neil Bettis was influential in the home defence.

Falmouth will entertain Willand or Street in the next round, but before that have to contend with Ivybridge Town at Bickland Park on Saturday (3pm).