Falmouth Town 0 Marine 0

Match Report from Pete Crockett

GALES, GRIT, AND A GOALLESS DRAW

Storm Amy came sweeping in from the Atlantic like a capricious busy body intent on making herself the game’s chief protagonist. She huffed, she puffed, and she scattered every best-laid plan to the four winds.

At Falmouth’s homely Bickland Park the wind was less a backdrop than a player in her own right - unpredictable, unruly, and occasionally downright mischievous.

The match itself was an intriguing contest between two sides each trying to sail straight in a swirling tempestuous storm. Within minutes Bradley Leivers of Falmouth brought the home fans to their feet with a fine header, parried smartly by Luke Purnell – the first of many stout interventions from the visiting keeper. Marine replied at once; Josh Grant’s cushioned volley skimmed the bar like a gull skimming the tide.

George Alston, all dart and drive down the flank, was soon tormenting his opposite number. Twice he cut inside, once flashing a shot narrowly wide, and then, on eleven minutes, firing a cross into that most treacherous of waters – the corridor of uncertainty – only for a desperate toe to deny Sid Gbla what would surely have been a tap-in.

Thereafter the game became a tactical tug-of-war. Falmouth looked to turn Marine’s back line with direct balls carried by the wind whilst Marine looked to play through the tempest with passing composure. The contrast in styles lent the encounter a fascination.

On 27 minutes Sal Abubakar produced a whirl of hips to leave his marker spinning like a compass gone rogue. His clipped cross found Dan Warre who forced Morgan Coxhead into a fine reflex stop – a storm survived by the home team.

As the first half ebbed away Marine’s fortunes seemed to founder upon the rocks of ill-luck. Again, George Alston danced free, all balance and bravado, sending in a teasing cross which Dan Warre headed against the base of the far post. It was the sort of chance that leaves players staring to the heavens - or in this case to the brooding clouds of Amy herself.

With the change of ends came a change in fortunes. Now with the wind in their faces Falmouth pressed forward. Within minutes Rubin Wilson tested Luke Purnell from range, the keeper stooping to gather with calm assurance.

Midway through the half Marine’s Sal Abubakar again made mischief whipping in a cross that Sid Gbla could only loop over the bar. The forward having done well to adjust his body position to make any connection with the ball as it swirled, curled, and dipped in the turbulent windblasts.

At the other end Falmouth’s Luke Barner, all pace and intent, surged through the middle, only to be stopped by a quite magnificent intervention from Marine’s Nick Rhodes who timed his challenge to perfection.

Then came one of the pivotal moments of the match. From a set piece Rubin Wilson rose imperiously and powered a downward header towards the bottom corner. For all the world it looked a goal – until Luke Purnell, in an act of ‘Banksian’ brilliance, flung himself low to his left and clawed the ball away. Think Mexico, 1970, Pele denied by Gordon Banks – the comparison is not lightly made.

Falmouth had one last gasp at glory with Luke Barner trying a speculative lob from 45 yards that dipped and swerved in the gale. The Marine keeper back-pedalled smartly but the ball floated over the bar.

At the final whistle Storm Amy could claim victory of sorts – she had dictated the terms of the day. That said both sides, battered and unbowed, returned to their respective dressing rooms with credit and a point apiece.

This was Marine’s first visit to Falmouth Town’s Bickland Park. The Marine support very much enjoyed the homely ground and the friendliness of the host team’s followers. In terms of the Falmouth players who caught the eye Bradley Leivers was a tireless presence on the host’s left flank, while young goalkeeper Morgan Coxhead displayed admirable calm on a testing day for keepers.

For Marine George Alston’s wing play was impressive, and Luke Purnell’s performance between the posts was commanding. Marine’s back four coped with the battle with the elements and the home team’s forwards with admirable fortitude - Sam Turl, Josh Grant, Nick Rhodes, and Tawana Changa defending resolutely. However, defence is a whole team effort, and all in a hooped shirt worked diligently to protect their goal. Every player can take pride in securing a clean sheet on the road in the most challenging of conditions.

Manager Bobby Wilkinson, ever the realist, rued his side’s missed chances but praised their resolve. “To come here, in these conditions, and keep a clean sheet is a proper performance.”

After the lengthy time travelling he was immensely proud of the professionalism his players showed. He felt this was a good away point and a positive performance.

The storm may have howled, the gulls may have scattered, but in the end both crews made harbour safely with a point apiece and their dignity intact.

Come on Marine!

Attendance: 425

Editors Star Man: Brad Leivers
Subs not used: 17. Macauley Joy [GK]

Manager:	Bobby Wilkinson
Line-up:	Colours: Blue & White Hoops
No	Player	Goals	Card	No	Substitute	Goals	Card
1	Luke Purnell [GK]
2	Sam Turl
3	Tawana Changa
4	Josh Grant
5	Nick Rhodes			16	Josh Blythe 76’
6	Zach Rugman		37’
7	Sal Abubakar			14	Joe Selman 73’
8	Max Hemmings (c)			17	Dayo Sonoiki 90’
9	Dan Warre			12	Frankie Monk 73’
10	Sid Gbla
11	George Alston

Editors Star Man: George Alston
Subs not used: 15. Piotr Petrynski