PAULTON Rovers’ six-match unbeaten run was ended when they lost 3-1 at home to Falmouth Town in Division One South of the Southern League in mid-week - after being reduced to ten men early on, writes Jon Green. After the visitors long trip up to Somerset, many supporters would have been hoping there would be some tired legs in the opposition lineup but unfortunately that wasn’t the case. From the first whistle, it was obvious that Falmouth were well drilled and moved the ball around exceptionally quickly using the flanks to great effect.

This was going to be an uphill task for Rovers and it got even worse in the 7th minute. Falmouth had already had a shot go over the bar but upon breaking through again, Ewan McMillan was adjudged to have brought down the player in the box. The offence looked soft and the Falmouth forward certainly made the most of the merest of contacts. Not only was the penalty given but McMillan was also sent off much to the dismay of the support. Although, the were plenty of cheers when the penalty was crashed against the crossbar. Undeterred, Falmouth set about their business again, keeping the ball in the Rovers half for much of the time. Although Rovers did apply some pressure in a good spell soon after the penalty. Two corners were won in quick succession followed by a free kick in a dangerous position. Cam Allen fired in a shot and the keeper had to be sharp to push the ball over the bar. From the corner, Chris Peck looped a header goalwards which beat the keeper but not a defender stood on the line who managed to head the ball away. However, Falmouth resisted that pressure and pushed forward again. It felt like a goal was coming and in the 20th minute it did. Malachi Davy picked up the ball in the box and drilled a low shot at goal. Archie Matthews got a hand to the ball but was unable to stop the ball from going in.

The rest of the half saw shots raining in on Archie Matthews who pulled off a number of good saves to keep Rovers from going further behind. The second half resumed in the same manner and it took just five minutes for Falmouth to extend their lead, Jack Symons stroking the ball in after a cross from the right. Against the run of play, Paulton grabbed one back in the 60th minute. Tom Symons broke on the left and played the ball in to Brandon Bak who needed one touch before firing in. A good spell followed again as Falmouth looked to stay tight. But Rovers couldn’t break through. Either they were held up or seemed to make wrong decisions when moving the ball forward. The spell was brought to an end when a cross from the right was diverted into his own net by Jack Dancey to give Falmouth their third. Falmouth were able to hold out safe with the two goal cushion. The game was always going to be hard for Rovers but under the circumstances, there were a lot of positives that could be taken. They defended well for long periods and the supporters could certainly see the effort being made by the players.