SWPL premier division

Ivybridge Town 5,

Falmouth Town 0

Ivybridge Town finished a successful season on a high note last weekend after dispatching struggling Falmouth Town in clinical fashion to ensure they finish fourth in the premier division of the South West Peninsula League writes Tim Leigh.

The result means the Bridgers have put 11 goals past Falmouth in their two meetings this month, so doubtless the Cornishmen were keen to cross the Tamar after being thoroughly outplayed at Erme Valley.

Ivybridge general manager Brian Howard was pleased with his players for their efforts this season and felt fourth in the table represented a good return for a team still on a learning curve.

He said: 'We're fourth in the league, which is pretty good considering this was the first season for many of our young side. We're hoping the players will stay, they've said they will, so we're just looking for a few additions to strengthen the squad in the off-season.

'We've also passed the FA ground criteria so we'll be in the FA Vase next year, so we're looking forward to the draw for that in June.'

He was also happy with his team's performance against the Cornish visitors, particularly as they had to be patient early on.

He said: 'It was a convincing victory, they were stubborn to break down for the first half, but we scored right on the stroke of half-time and totally dominated after the break.'

The first goal came from a Mark Berry corner, which Mike Smith headed home, before he turned provider two minutes into the second period to set up Joe Truelove for Town's second.

Midfielder Jack Alexander scored his team's third with 15 minutes left as they remained in complete control, before a penalty for handball saw Bridgers' full-back Sam Marker score his first goal of the season from the spot. There was still time for Luke Brown to drive home number five for the hosts as they finished the season in style.

With a core of fine players, Town have demonstrated this campaign that they have the ability to beat any team in the league on their day, and deservedly topped the table for a long period.

A couple of shrewd acquisitions over the summer to boost their squad depth could well see them mount a longer-lasting challenge for the title next season.