Falmouth 7, Taunton Vale ll 1

Falmouth remain unbeaten in South Division after securing a big win at home to Taunton Vale ll on Saturday.

Taunton started strongly, going straight on the attack after the first whistle.

An unexpected reverse stick hit caught Falmouth’s defence off guard putting Taunton one goal ahead in the first minute. Falmouth were quick to retaliate using their pace on the attack to carve through Taunton’s midfield and defence.

The ball found player of the match, Tatum Godwin who confidently slotted it past the keeper to take the score to 1-1.

The visitors fought hard and were awarded several short corners but with some excellent saves from Amie Cadwell and solid defending from Megan Cookson they were unable to convert any into goals.

A powerful clearance from Nic Hinton found ring wing Rachael Tatlow who used her pace to beat any opposing players.

A strong cross into the D found Clare Hudson who fired the ball into the goal moving Falmouth one ahead of the away team.

Falmouth continued to work extremely hard in the unforgiving wind and rain.

Alice Mathias was next to score for Falmouth after an excellent run down the wing, taking the ball all the way to the back line and using her quick stick skills to sneak the ball around the back of the Taunton keeper.

Falmouth’s defence were put under a lot of pressure but even playing out of position, Natalie Oliver was still able to use her cool head and consistent tackling skills to stop attacks down the right wing.

Taunton found it hard to keep up with Falmouth’s improved fitness levels which enabled the home team to continue to drive forward.

A trademark strike from Clare Hudson took the score to 4-1 at half time.

Falmouth came out strongly in the second half and after a textbook short corner from Tatum Godwin to Rachael Tatlow, the hosts moved 5-1 ahead.

Falmouth continued to confidently switch the ball across the pitch to outwit the Taunton midfield.

Faye Ivall caught the Taunton defence off guard with an unexpected sprint forwards carrying the ball into the D and finding Vic Pryor on the post who managed to roll the ball over the line.

Falmouth continued to push themselves, creating a final goal when Tatum Godwin sent the ball hard into the goal, leaving the final score as 7-1.

Falmouth: Amie Cadwell, Megan Cookson, Nic Hinton, Rachel Medd, Faye Ivall, Natalie Oliver, Tatum Godwin, Clare Hudson, Rachael Tatlow, Alice Matthias, Amy Shaw, Vic Pryor.

Plymouth Marjon lll 3, Falmouth ll 0

Falmouth made the trip to Plymouth optimistic that they could return with some points. However, this was not to be as they were unable to take their chances while the home team managed to convert theirs. Marjons started strongly and had the best of the opening quarter, taking the lead when the goal scorer managed to lose her defender and slot the ball in wide of the goalkeeper’s reach.

Falmouth upped their game and had a good period of possession and attacking chances but the Marjons defence held firm and the ‘keeper made some good saves. Marjons scored their second goal just before half time with a well taken reverse stick strike into the top corner.

In the second half it was evenly balanced with both teams having chances. The mid-field including, Player of the Match, Eloise Ireland worked hard to get the ball through to the forwards and despite having several penalty corners Falmouth were not able to get the ball over the goal line. June Moore made some good saves to keep the home team out but a cracking penalty corner strike into the left hand corner gave the Plymouth team their third goal.

Falmouth ll: June Moore, Lizzie Shannon, Franny Rowe, Evie Roberts, Becky Morris, Karen Ellis, Katie Humphreys, Eloise Ireland, Emily James, Lucy Rogers, Imogen Robson, Suzanne Bull, Bella Osman.

On Saturday Falmouth play Plymouth Marjon 2 at Penryn College at 10.30am, while Falmouth ll play Truro at Truro School at 12.15pm.