The festive period has been one to remember for Falmouth Town. Three wins in a row has left them looking forward to what the year ahead holds in store as they aim to build upon the progress that has been made over the past 12 months.
A 2-0 derby day victory over Mousehole on Boxing Day set them on their way before they emerged from Tavistock AFC as 3-2 winners two days later and then followed that up with another triumph on the road, this time courtesy of a 1-0 win at Willand Rovers on New Year's Day.
Weighing in with four of their goals during this positive run of results is front-man, Rubin Wilson.
“We couldn’t have asked for a better festive period,” he told us. “It gives us the building blocks to now kick-on for the second half of the season and cement our place in the Southern League.
“We’ve got a great group here; we all believe in each other and we’ve got each others’ backs which can be rare to find at this level.
“This has been a tough period with three games in six games but our togetherness has gotten us through and helped to make it such a success.”
The long-serving Luke Barner, who got his name on the scoresheet with the opening goal at Tavistock, agrees.
“Even when we weren’t getting the results, we stayed together and we stayed strong because we knew that our fortunes would eventually turn,” he admitted to us. “We were seeing some strong performances but it was a case of fine margins which were costing us.
“It’s been such a good festive period for us all and we need to use it as a springboard for the rest of the season."
We asked the duo how the Pitching In Southern League Division One South had compared to what they were expecting going into the season following promotion.
“I was expecting it to be physical and so it has proved,” added Wilson. “The teams are all that bit more tactically aware and the biggest battle for the three Cornish clubs is the extensive travel, but that is something you have to deal with if you want to play in the higher leagues.
“The first half of the season has gone okay; we’re still finding our feet at this level and we’re up against opponents with bigger budgets, but we’re working hard and as a player I have every faith in the Gaffer and his staff and the direction in which they are taking us.”
Barner added: “Like Rubin said, I was expecting the physical aspect and was ready for that, but it’s the competitive challenge that has taken a while to get used to. Any team can beat each other on their day and that means you have to be at it week in, week out or you get found out.
“It didn’t take us long into the season to realise that mistakes get punished a lot more regularly at this level and you have to stay focussed for the whole game, which also takes a lot of mental strength.
“That said, I think we can take a lot of positives from the season so far. In terms of our League position we’re a little bit below where we want to be. There was a period of uncertainty during the early months of the season, but we have come through that and now have a team of players who want to fight and perform for the club.
“Whilst we are pleased with our last three results, we know only too well that the hard work starts now in ensuring that we maintain these standards.”
A key tool in the Ambers’ armoury is their fantastic fan base. Known as the F-Troop, they provide great support both at Bickland Park and on their travels.
“The mighty F-Troop!” Wilson said with a broad smile. “They are absolutely imperative to our success as a side. Win, lose or draw, they are behind us every step of the way. These people spend their hard-earned money watching us week in week out, and commit their time to the club, helping out behind-the-scenes.
“As for the atmosphere they create, especially at Bickland Park, it is an absolute privilege to play in front of them and they are as important to Falmouth Town as the boys playing on the pitch!
“They give us the extra motivation to dig deep and we are very fortunate to have that support.”
“We have the best fans in the division, no question,” Barner chipped in. “They are not only passionate supporters, but they are great people as well. They give us so much support and contribute to the special feeling of pulling on a Falmouth Town shirt.
“We know we are in a privileged position representing them and we hope to give them many more amazing memories in 2025.”
We ended by asking both players what their hopes and targets were for the year ahead.
“The ultimate aim has to be to establish this club in the Southern League,” replied Wilson. “It’s something that I personally feel that we can comfortably achieve.
“Hopefully I can contribute as much as possible, whether that’s through goals, assists or just making life difficult for defenders. To finish amongst the top scorers in this League would be brilliant, but there is a lot of hard work to be done for any of this to happen!”
There is a personal milestone that Barner is eager to achieve in 2025.
“It would be great to reach 100 goals for the club in 2025,” he revealed. “To do that and for the team to finish as high as possible and really kick-on both on and off the field would be a dream come true.
“I would also like us to win the Cornwall Senior Cup for a third time; this is a special and highly-regarded competition locally and we are the defending champions.”
Things are certainly moving in the right direction for the club and there’s a good vibe around the place. They are back in home action on Saturday for the visit of Didcot Town.
IMAGE: Falmouth Town AFC
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