FALMOUTH TOWN 1-2 EVESHAM UNITED
Falmouth Town were unable to overcome a two goal first half deficit against their Southern League title-challenging visitors Evesham United at Bickland Park on Saturday, despite a determined second half performance which belied the two sides differing fortunes in the league this season.
In front of a vocal crowd of 342, Falmouth opted to place Jared Sims on the bench with Cam Hutchison making a well-deserved start. Pacy wide man Ollie Walker was unavailable which gave a second home appearance to new signing Jacob Bowker.
It was a fairly even first ten minutes with the industry of Andreas Calleja-Stayne and Jack Webber counteracting the physicality of the Evesham side. Unfortunately, after 14 minutes, Jack Webber had to be withdrawn with what looked like a hamstring strain and Jared Sims entered the fray.
As the game progressed, Evesham started to win the loose balls in midfield and were pressing high, which meant that Falmouth could not play out easily from the back. Evesham started to also commit some niggly fouls and it looked like the game was going to boil over when forward Andre Wright proceeded to push Falmouth keeper Morgan Coxhead over on his own goal line with the ball not in the frame. In what looked like a certain sending-off, referee Aiden Madden opted for a yellow card for both parties, much to the disgust of the F-Troop in the Packet End.
In line with the run of play, Evesham took the lead on 21 minutes. A cross from the left by-line finding Levi Steele who guided his header just out of reach of Coxhead.
Evesham were still on top, with captain Amer Awadh looking like someone who should be playing several steps higher, as he committed the Falmouth defenders and played intelligent forward passes when he had possession. As they continued to soak up the pressure, Falmouth conceded a penalty 31 minutes in with Harrison Jewell up-ending Levi Steele on the edge of the box. Steele himself stepped up and hit a low effort to Coxhead’s right, which went in despite Coxhead getting a hand to it.
It was looking like becoming a tough afternoon for Falmouth, but 3 minutes later they were level. In a rare attack, Luke Barner was found wide on the right. As he drove into the box, the Evesham defender brought him down and it was a penalty this time to Falmouth. Top scorer Rubin Wilson added to his recent excellent record with a well-taken spot-kick, hammering it powerfully to the keeper’s left.
The goal seemed to buoy Falmouth and they ended the half narrowly the better side, albeit still 2-1 down.
Falmouth started the 2nd half as they had finished the first as they took control of the game. Calleja-Stayne was winning everything in midfield and Falmouth were consequently able to play more in the Evesham half. Evesham were conceding a succession of corners but the big Evesham back-line dealt with them well, and Falmouth could not win the aerial battle. Their best hope was that one of the clearances would fall kindly to a Falmouth player, but their luck was not in and Evesham held out. Falmouth threw on the experienced Luke Brabyn for his 300th appearance in place of Jacob Bowker and late on opted for the promising Evan Tresidder up-front, but it was all to no avail as Falmouth lost their third game in four in this very competitive league. Evesham knew that had been in a game and celebrated loudly at the final whistle as they realised they had overcome a real challenge. This match outlined Falmouth’s improvement through the season, given that Evesham had handed out a 4-0 drubbing at their home ground in November.
Falmouth now look forward to the challenge of their local rivals Helston Athletic on Tuesday evening in a crucial game for both teams as they strive to consolidate their position in the league. Helston have gone ten games without a win and have been on the end of some heavy defeats, although they mounted a spirited comeback away at Bashley on Saturday having been 2-down. They will surely have the use of some of the players they have signed as cover from other clubs in different leagues on Tuesday, so will it will be a tough game for Falmouth, but one they must win if they are to move up the table to safety.
Goals:
FALMOUTH TOWN
Rubin Wilson 34′
EVESHAM UNITED
Levi Steele 21′ & 31′
Att: 342
Evesham United: Alex Harris, Andre Wright, Will Owens, Josh Barlow, Toby Raison, Michael O’Regan, Aaron Heap, Regan Messenger, Levis Steele, Amer Awadh©, Jyrel Bojang. Subs: Sam Bailey, Rhys Bennett, Alfie Dunn, Lewis Middleton, Jordy N’Gathe.
Referee: Aiden Madden.