Falmouth secured their first win of the season with a goal in each half to see off Ivybridge. It was also Falmouth’s first home win in the calendar year of 2009. The last time the Bickland faithful saw a Town in the Peninsula League was on December 3rd when ironically enough Ivybridge Town were the visitors.
Following an early Ivybridge attack, Matt Drummond broke through on goal only to be thwarted by a timely tackle by Steve Hatfield at the expense of a corner. Jimmy Alexander’s kick was met by Hugh Howlett but, off balance, the ball was easily cleared.
After 13 minutes a sliced clearance from visiting keeper Terry Pelley resulted in the ball going out for a corner and Alexander floated over a perfect ball to which unfortunately for Town Drummond got under it and headed over the bar.
Neil Slateford tried his luck from distance but Pelley made an easy save.
The home side had the majority of the attacking play and took the lead in the 21st minute. Ben Stidwell picked up the ball on the edge of the area and dribbled inside, past two defenders before shooting across keeper Pelley and into the net from 6 yards for his first Falmouth goal.
Alexander tried his luck from distance and Pelley fumbled the ball but the defence were on hand to mop up.
A minute before the interval, Danny O’Hagan dad a confrontation with Lance Bailey on the edge of the area in which the Ivy’s skipper was booked. Alexander’s free kick found the former Argyle striker who headed wide.
After the break with no change in the play, Ivybridge made two changes in the first 16 minutes with Ryan McClements replacing Shane Powell and then Tom Moody coming on for Joe Carey.
However it was a Falmouth substitution in the 69th minute that proved to be the catalyst that sealed the game for Falmouth. Ollie Gibson came on for Ben Stidwell and within two minutes had pestered Moody for pace and caused the visiting number 15 to foul him by the corner flag. Alexander’s deep free kick found O’Hagan who headed back across goal for Drummond to volley home from inside the six yard box to net his first goal of the season.
Ivybridge made their final change just after with Max Scragg replacing Aidan Dodd.
Both sides had chances to change the score with Jimmy Alexander shooting wide at one end and Ryan Fice hitting the side netting after a long range effort landed on the roof of the net.
Following that the chances became few and far between and the two goal cushion for Falmouth appeared to be enough.
A final change for Town came in the 91st minute when Rob Carey replaced Drummond.

Falmouth now have two big games in the next week with a trip to Bodmin Town on Wednesday and a home FA Cup Preliminary Round tie with Willand Rovers to negotiate next Saturday (3pm).