FALMOUTH LADIES 1st XI 3 NEWQUAY 3
SOUTH Division League leaders Falmouth went into this game a slender one point clear of second placed Newquay, who have been persistently nipping at their heels since Christmas.
Despite starting with purpose, led by industrious skipper Clare Hudson in centre midfield, Falmouth went one goal down against the run of play as the ball rebounded into the net in a fumbled clearance after 15 minutes.
It was a short lived lead as the home team kept their heads and worked hard with defender and player of the match, Danny Burnford marshalling the defence with authority and offering valuable support to the midfield. The ladies' determination resulted in a penalty corner, which was deftly touched in by left midfield,Fay Robinson to bring the scores level.
The game continued at pace with Falmouth dominating possession and creating a spate of attacks only to be frustrated by a solid Newquay defence and some athletic goalkeeping.
The visitors pinched a goal just minutes before the interval to take the lead, but Robinson struck again as the game resumed, dispatching an equaliser inside the left post. Building on the momentum, centre-forward Verena Weenie' Sambel demonstrated some impressive anticipation, diving full-length in the circle to direct a ball from Hudson into the corner of the goal.
Having fought back to take the lead, Falmouth's nerves showed as they tried to retain possession and play simple hockey for the remaining quarter of an hour, but it wasn't to be.
Diligent play from Jean Phillips at centre back and Hannah Royle at right back wasn't enough as a relentless Newquay attack finally penetrated the league leader's defence to steal a third goal just minutes from time.
Falmouth remain one point clear at the top of the table.
The ladies also travelled to Bodmin on Sunday to defend their county cup title. After a slow start, the visitors took control of the game to claim a resounding 6-2 victory. Clare Hudson and Verena "Weenie" Samble claimed one goal each while Nicola Smith bagged four to send Falmouth through to the next round.
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