Falmouth Town 2 Saltash Utd 1

Falmouth lifted the Cornwall Senior Cup for the first time since 1997 as Saltash’s hopes of retaining it were dashed after a controversial red card for winger Richard Maddison left the Ashes to play most of the second half with 10 men.

The cup final at Bodmin’s Priory Park was nicely poised at 1-1, courtesy of early goals by both teams’ captains, Ryan Richards (3 minutes) and Joe Cooper (6), and Saltash were looking to build on a dominant first half display.

But then Maddison, who had been booked for a foul in the 22nd minute, handled the ball five minutes into the second half and the referee immediately showed him a second yellow and a subsequent red.

What the official appeared to miss was the push in the back from a Falmouth player which led to Maddison’s arms being pushed forward, which led to the handball.

Both managers – Saltash’s Matt Cusack and Falmouth’s Andy Westgarth – felt the red card was the turning point of the match.

The decision clearly unsettled Saltash and it was Falmouth who found the winner 10 minutes from time when central defender James Ward was left unmarked at the far post to head in a corner.

Saltash then threw caution to the wind in their search for an equaliser and came close several times, while leaving themselves wide open to breakaways, which could have led to Falmouth increasing their lead.

But the Ashes were unable to force the ball over the line in a mad scramble in the eighth and final minute of time added on, and the referee’s whistle started wild celebrations from their players, officials and superb supporters.

Saltash: R Rickard, D Barker, C Martindale, L Russell, C O’Brien, C Menhenick (L Edwards 84), R Maddison, S Farrant (D Trott 80), S Hughes, R Richards, D Lewis.

Subs not used: S Leary, H Wilson, S Cleary.

Goal: Ryan Richards (3).

Yellow cards: R Maddison (22 & 50), D Barker (73), C Menhenick (82), D Trott (90+6).

Red card: R Maddison (50, second yellow).

Falmouth: R Barnes, D Blizzard, O Moody (J Webber 73), R Mart, J Cooper, J Ward, M Duff (M Buchan 67), D Broglino, L Brabyn, L Johnson (J Bowyer 77), T Nixon.

Subs not used: A Westgarth, C Davies.

Goals: J Cooper (6), J Ward (80).

Yellow card: J Bowyer (86).

Referee: S Edge.

Man of the Match: Joe Cooper (Falmouth).