SIDMOUTH 3 FALMOUTH 7

FALMOUTH ladies first team clinched promotion to the Premier League Two on Saturday with a comprehensive if patchy 7-3 victory over Sidmouth.

Their final game of the season takes place against Penzance on Saturday when they will officially be crowned league champions.

Despite the favourable-looking scoreline, Falmouth made very hard work of the meeting with their Devon counterparts.

Hampered by a bouncy pitch, it took a while for the visitors to get to grips with the unfamiliar surface, but after 15 minutes their persistence paid off when midfielder Fay Robinson opened the scoring.

Verena "Weenie" Sambel quickly drilled home a second goal following some fine play from skipper Clare Hudson, but Falmouth were caught on the break allowing Sidmouth to drive forward and pull a goal back.

Their slender lead galvanised the league leaders into action with left wing Nicola Smith firing home a third before right midfield Tamsin Ryall took the scoreline to four shortly before the interval.

Sidmouth worked hard from the start of the second half, throwing players forward in numbers to pressure the Falmouth attack.

Their game plan was rewarded with an early goal, but Falmouth responded swiftly with centre-forward Fi Rundle converting the fifth and Ryall claiming her second and the visitor's sixth just minutes later.

Despite a late effort from Sidmouth, which saw them steal a third against the run of play, they could not catch the league leaders with Sambel diving full length to put away Falmouth's seventh goal and claim victory, and certain promotion, for the Falmouth ladies.

Falmouth host Penzance at 12pm at Penair School, Truro on Saturday and welcome any support.

The club are seeking a coach for next season and anyone interested in the role should contact Nicola Smith on 01326 314949.