Between the years of 1962 to 1999, Falmouth Town only lost twice on the opening day of the season – and both of those, in 1979 and 1980 were in the Western League.
The last time Town did win on the opening day was in 2002 and on the initial outlook on Saturday’s game that run looked set to continue.
Missing several soon to be regulars, Falmouth were made to look second best in the first half although the second period was much better, Town were unlucky not to snatch all three points after Ollie Gibson’s header rebounded off the post.
Falmouth kicked off and made some early running at goal, but failed to create anything significant. Home keeper Simon May was called into action early on as he felt the physical force of the Town front men who fairly challenged him for the ball.
Elburton should have broken the deadlock after 16 minutes. Kevin Yetton, brother of prolific Truro City striker Stewart found himself in space inside the six yard box, but somehow managed to slice his effort wide.
Moments later the home side had a header fall wide, as did Danny O’Hagan at the other end.
A good through ball from Nigel Thwaites sent Matt Drummond clear to beat the offside trap but, May was out quickly to kick the ball into touch.
Good play from Rob Carey played in Drummond who laid the ball off for Neil Slateford to shoot, but the packed defence managed to block his shot.
Five minutes before the interval Carey, who had picked up a knock several minutes earlier, was replaced by Jamie Thomson.
Seven minutes into the second half Falmouth picked up their first caution – Jimmy Alexander was booked for a foul on Yetton.
Chris Head teed up Steve Sims for Villa, but the shot finished inches wide.
In the 56th minute Matt Purnell replaced veteran striker Lee Harvey.
The deadlock was broken in the 67th minute. Steve Sims ghosted his way past two defenders before slotting the ball into the net.
Straight from the kick off, Falmouth launched an attack and after winning a free kick, the ball was lofted into the area where Danny O’Hagan beat Simon May to the ball and headed Town level.
In the 76th minute Slateford was caught on the edge of the box and won a free kick. Alexander took the kick which was only just wide.
Two minutes later, Thomson was booked for a foul – a strange decision when many worse tackles had gone unpunished.
Ollie Gibson came on to replace Nigel Thwaites.
As the game entered the final ten minutes, Drummond hit a stinging shot which fell wide and Gibson rose above Jamie Morrison-Hill and powered a 10 yard header which hit the foot of the post and bounced clear with Town not following up on the ball.
Falmouth continued to dominate play in the second period and Nick Pugliese had a shot in the 85th minute which went wide.
Slateford was booked a minute later for a foul before Elburton’s Jamie Evans was also booked just after for a body check on the pacy Town midfield man.
O’Hagan shot over from a good position and as the game entered stoppage time, Villa brought on Myles Easton for Sims.
In the 92nd minute, a poor,  attempted headed clearance from Hugh Howlett was intercepted by Chris Head who ran through to slot the ball past Jason Chapman from the edge of the area to seal a surprise defeat for a Falmouth team perceived to be potential title contenders.

Town will be looking to forget the defeat as the FA Cup season arrives. On Saturday they travel to Ilfracombe Town in the Extra Preliminary Round (3pm kick off). There is a coach going and seats are available. For more information, please contact Charlie Fittus on 07968 051583.