FALMOUTH TOWN 3

NEWQUAY 1

ONE of the fastest ever goals scored at Bickland Park helped end Falmouth Town's run of six games without a win and in the process gave their chances of being in the Premier Division of the new Peninsula League next season a timely boost.

A mere nine seconds had elapsed when Carl Paparone ran on to a long ball over the Newquay defence and rounded Scott Palmer to shoot into the empty net to Town the ideal start.

Eight minutes later, however, Newquay equalised. They made a break down the right wing and Ollie Deadman supplied the perfect ball to Luke Weldhen who was lurking unmarked by the edge of the six yard area to fire home.

After 25 minutes Andy Bowker fed a good ball across to the unmarked Dave McGhee 10 yards from goal, but he hit the shot on the half volley and it flew wide of the post.

Ten minutes later Joe Tickle made a brave save diving at the feet of Mike Small as he ran onto a good through ball by Ashley Bradshaw.

Shortly before half time Wayne Brown took a free kick for Falmouth from just outside the Newquay area, but it lacked the accuracy needed and flew just wide of the upright.

Following this Mike Roberts, looking more like his old self, went on a mazy run past three defenders but he was eventually blocked by the sheer weight of numbers.

Right on the stroke of half time, Lance Bailey went on a good run for Newquay and cut the ball back in to Weldhen who hurried his shot to see it fly wide of the target.

Town brought on Darren Burchell to replace Steve Proctor at the start of the second half; he went into a central midfield position and this enabled Chris Wolstencroft to push forward more.

In the 49th minute Bowker was brought down on the right hand edge of the penalty area by Ralph, who was one of seven Newquay players to receive a yellow card from Torpoint referee Gary Davis. Burchell took the free kick and hit it hard and low into the area where McGhee blasted it home from six yards to put Town back in front.

Newquay fought back straight away with a good run by Bradshaw who played it into Deadman. He hit a first-time shot, but Tickle was in a good position to make the save look easy.

In the 53rd minute Newquay were reduced to ten men when Gavin West picked up his second caution and ultimately a red to accompany it.

Almost immediately after this Deadman was cautioned for a foul as Newquay continued with their reckless tackles.

Nine minutes later Steve Sims went on a run through the middle and as he made his way into the Newquay area he was brought down by John Winters who picked up a yellow card for his efforts. Andy Bowker slammed the penalty into the back of the net to give Town an unassailable lead.

In the 67th minute Sims hit a dipping shot from 25 yards that bounced awkwardly in front of 'keeper Palmer, but he managed to push it round the post for a corner.

Town then made a couple of substitutions with Chris Davey coming on to replace his brother Peter and Paul Wolstencroft coming on for Steve Burt.

The visitors' joint manager, former Town goalkeeper Dave Philp, then said something out of place and the referee ordered him from the dugout and into the stand to complete a miserable afternoon for the Peppermints.

Town end their league programme on Saturday, May 12 with an away game at Wadebridge Town.

Town: J. Tickle; W. Brown, P. Davey (C. Davey), D. McGhee, C. Wolstencroft, S. Burt (P. Wolstencroft), M. Roberts, S. Proctor (D. Burchell), C. Paparone, A. Bowker, S. Sims. Sub (unused): L. Beer.