Falmouth Town 2, Ivybridge Town 1

PLAYER-MANAGER Andrew Westgarth stepped off the substitutes' bench to score a dramatic late winner just two minutes after the visitors had equalised in the Premier Division of the SWPL on Saturday.

It was a game which ignited with 20 minutes to go, with all the goals and a red card for Ivybridge's Josh Fenwick setting up a thrilling finale in what was the first game at Bickland Park since the Boxing Day success over Helston Athletic.

The first half was goalless, with only half chances for both sides in what was a cagey affair.

Town's centre half pairing of Joe Cooper and Tom Whipp expertly marshalled top scorer Joe Truelove, so often the scourge of Falmouth in previous encounters.

Glen Squires' half hit shot was deflected wide but Mike Vanes began to find his passing range in midfield and from one such delivery to Rob Wearne, his shot was deflected behind.

Five minutes before the break a drilled corner from Ed Timmons was met by Chris Wormington, who dived low to head powerfully towards goal but keeper Joe Oak turned the ball to safety.

The home side upped the tempo in the second period and Dan Greet forced another save from Oak, who tipped his dipping shot over the bar.

Squires should have put the hosts in front after 55 minutes following a free kick 30 yards out, but he contrived to turn his effort over the bar from four yards out.

Ivybridge started to come into the game and Ryan Barnes in the Falmouth goal made an excellent save from Sam Stephens shot from just inside the penalty area.

Dan Richardson made his comeback debut for Town on 68 minutes and was almost immediately involved in Fenwick's sending off. Richardson combined well with Harry Clarke on the left, before Fenwick, who had already been booked, upended the substitute and referee James Strout had no option but to give him his marching orders.

Falmouth finally broke the deadlock with ten minutes remaining, when Squires controlled a ball in from the left wing and slotted it home.

Their lead lasted only six minutes though, when Tony Phillips ghosted into the area on the right hand side and shot past Barnes, who would have been disappointed to have been beaten at his near post.

With a draw looking likely, Westgarth ripped up the script when fellow substitute Luke Tripconey sent over a deep cross and Town's boss made no mistake from ten yards out.

Falmouth: R Barnes, C Wormington (L Tripconey 62m), E Timmons, T Whipp, J Cooper (c), R Pope, D Greet(D Richardson 68m), M Vanes, R Wearne G Squires (A Westgarth 78m) H Clarke. Subs not used S.Reed E Fearne(gk)