PLYMOUTH MARJON 3 FALMOUTH LADIES 1ST XI 2

THE last clash between these two teams was a lively 12-goal affair and this meeting opened in the same vein, promising to pick up where the two adversaries left off.

A physical encounter ensued, with Marjon adopting a disciplined marking game that frustrated the Falmouth team and inhibited their usual free-flowing style.

But Falmouth refused to give up, with player of the match, Fay Robinson making some tenacious runs down the left wing, and skipper Clare Hudson battling her way through midfield to shake off Marjon's attentions.

Despite creating a host of chances in the first half Falmouth failed to convert, being repeatedly thwarted by Marjon's outstanding goalkeeper. Right wing, Rachael Tatlow used her pace to outwit the home team's defence on several occasions but some cracking efforts on goal from Hudson and left wing Fi Rundle failed to hit home.

Marjon opened the scoring shortly before half-time with a goal on the break, before extending their lead just minutes into the second half to leave a dazed Falmouth team 2-0 down. It was the wake up call the visitors needed, knuckling down to dominate play for the last 25 minutes, with Rundle finally converting from a well-executed short-corner routine to pull one back.

Falmouth pushed up to attack and narrowly missedout on the equaliser, but their approach backfired as Marjon once again caught them on the break to fire home a thirdagainst the run of play.

Undaunted, the visitors kept going, with Danielle Burnford overcoming an ankle injury to create some fine attacking moves up the centre of the pitch, and defender Michelle Hares pushing up to offer valuable support on the right flank.

Hudson powered a shot home just minutes from the end, but it was too little too late as a disappointed Falmouth side conceded only their second defeat of the season.

Falmouth remain at the top of the table, leading Newquay by just one point. They will be hoping for victory when they meet Exeter's ECVH on Saturday on home ground.