TCFC official club statement

Truro City Football Club Vice Chairman Chris Webb, has today released the following statement, albeit rather scant in detail:

"The Court Case today between Truro City and HMRC has been adjourned until January 16th 2012"
This is the only information the club will be releasing with regards to this matter."

City given lifeline to stay in business

Source: This is Cornwall LINK by Rhod Mitchell

Truro City FC today won breathing space at London's High Court this morning until the New Year from moves by the taxman to wind it up over unpaid debts.

Registrar Baister adjourned the petition brought by Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs against the club - which has advanced quickly up the leagues thanks to five promotions in six years, including winning the Zamaretto Southern League championship last season - until 16 January 2012 to give it time to pay.

Matthew Smith, counsel for HMRC, had sought an order winding up the club, telling the Registrar that it had made only a modest reduction in its undisclosed debt which is believed to be well into six figures.

However, Stephen Schaw Miller, counsel for the club, told him that the position is that a related company is raising funds by potentially selling property, and might grant a third party an option to purchase the Treyew Road Stadium where the club plays its home matches.

He added: "There is also a possibility of outside investors investing in the club which will enable the debt to be paid."

In the light of that, and because it is the first time the winding up application has reached the court, the Registrar adjourned it until 16 January for "settlement" of the debt.

Failure to clear the debt by that date will likely lead to the club being wound up at the next hearing. This would effectively hand over the club's affairs to an Official Receiver, whose job would then be to do his best to ensure that debts are paid off by selling any assets available and then bringing business to a close.
 
City vice-chairman Chris Webb said:   "So its business as usual and we are  looking forward to seeing everyone at home to Welling this Saturday."

OPINION:

One would hope that the tax bill can be paid before the 16th January, but just as importantly, what about the player's unpaid wages, the groundsman's wages, the ground upgrading etc.  It's worrying when we have to rely on "outside investors" and third party deals.  The latter though would seem highly unlikely.  Chris Webb's statement "so it's business as usual" is worrying to say the least as this implies that very little is wrong.  The popular Tiger Talk forum has called for the Club to hold an open meeting to answer the many questions that the supporters would like answers to. The Club is for sure going through difficult times.  The only way forward will be openness, honesty and working together but it requires the Management to instigate this.

Clinical finishing keeps Cards on top in Cornwall

Woking match report, by David Taylor. LINK HERE

Truro City 1 Woking 4
Blue Square Bet South
29 October 2011

Woking came away with maximum points to round off a very successful week and this win was for three main reasons – Steve Thompson watching Truro hammer Farnborough in midweek helped decide tactics, the way that despite the windy, swirling conditions Woking stuck together as a unit and finally the Cards’ clinical finishing, highlighted by two sublime lobs of a 6ft 3inch keeper.

The game had several firsts – the first time these two clubs have ever played since they were both formed in 1889, the first overnight stay for the team this season and the first match in quite awhile where the fans spent longer travelling to the game than actually watching it.
(More text can be found via the link above).

Cards head west in search of a win

Source Woking official Site. Written by Brian Caffarey LINK

The Cards make the long trip to Cornwall this weekend in search of three more points to extend their lead at the top of the Blue Square South, with all their promotion rivals except Welling engaged in Cup action. Woking’s six-point lead on Monday night, gained by their 4-1 defeat of Weston-super-Mare, was reduced to three points by an emphatic 5-0 win for Sutton on Tuesday evening.

Truro recorded an even more eye-catching win the same evening, defeating Farnborough 8-2 – so Garry Hill’s side have been warned! For Steve Thompson the trip represents a return to a club he managed from December 2009 till March 2010.

Garry seems unlikely to make many changes to Monday’s line-up, although he has the option to recall either Alan Inns or Joe McNerney in central defence in order to allow Mark Ricketts to move back into midfield. Dale Binns was injured on Monday night and, if he is not fit, either Nathan Koranteng or Gez Sole could start. Wayne Gray hadn’t recovered sufficiently to make the substitutes’ bench that night but would be a very handy addition if he is now fit enough.

Lee Hodges calls for upturn in home form

Source: BBC Link

Truro City boss Lee Hodges hopes his side can improve their home form as they host top-of-the-table Woking.

City have won just three of their home matches this season, including Tuesday's 8-2 thrashing of Farnborough.

"Our away form is promotion candidates and our home form is relegation candidates and I've told them can we turn it around," Hodges said.

Marcus Martin has returned to the squad after an ankle injury but Danny Clay misses out through suspension.
"The boys can't wait," Hodges told BBC Radio Cornwall ahead of the match.

"It's another team who are flying with a lot of league players, a lot of experience there and it'll be a very difficult game and we know that."

Yetts backs chairman Kevin Heaney

Source: BBC Link

Truro City striker Stewart Yetton has backed chairman Kevin Heaney as the club prepares to face a winding-up petition in the High Court on Monday.

It was served by HM Revenue & Customs over money they say they are owed.

"I've been at this club for five or six years now and Kev's been great for the boys," Yetton told BBC Radio Cornwall.

"He's having a tough time but we've got to stick together. If it wasn't for Kev the club wouldn't be in the position it's in."

Truro have won their last two matches, including an 8-2 thrashing of Farnborough Town, as they adapt to their first season in the Blue Square Bet South.

"When you have problems off the field it will always be there and people will look to use that sometimes as an excuse because mentally it is tough for everyone," added former Plymouth Argyle striker Yetton.

"It is tough, but we're professional and we'll get on with it."

Ruthless City put visitors to the sword

West Briton Link

Truro City 8 Farnborough 2

IN AN amazing night at Treyew Road on Tuesday, City ran riot to crush their Hampshire visitors with a ruthless display of finishing which lifted them up to eighth in the table – just four points off a play-off place.

And remarkably it came after they conceded an early goal when Jack Holland was left unmarked to head home a Joshua Pearson corner after four minutes.

But from then on the home fans were treated to a devastating display by the City attack who sliced through their hapless opponents at will to record their biggest ever win at this level.

Andy Watkins was virtually unplayable, taking his goal tally to five in three games with two more goals, while stand-in skipper Stewart Yetton ended his long scoring drought with a brace of goals.

Les Afful also helped himself to two goals, with Barry Hayles City's other scorer on a night to remember.
And City boss Lee Hodges was thrilled with his team's performance, coming as it did after Saturday's superb win at Dartford.

He said: "I think I it was the best 45 minutes I have seen since I have been here as player and manager.
"I thought we were outstanding. There were some great finishes and anyone who was here must have really enjoyed it."

But when the Hampshire side took that early lead City fans must have feared a difficult night.
But Scott Walker's penalty, after Afful had been needlessly fouled by Nathan White, soon got back City on level terms.

The visitors' porous defence then crumbled under the onslaught as City raced into a 7-1 interval lead.
Watkins and Hayles combined to give Yetton the chance to slam home an unstoppable drive from the edge of the area to make it 2-1, with the diminutive Afful heading home Joe Broad's left wing corner for City's third.

Yetton crossed to give Afful a simple second goal and then set up Watkins for City's fifth.
Watkins then turned provider for Yetton to make it 6-1 and in stoppage time Hayles applied the finishing touch from Watkins' set-up to send the home side unbelievably into half time 7-1 up.

Almost inevitably the second half was never going to match the opening 45 minutes even though Watkins quickly and made it 8-1 with a fine finish from a through ball by Hayles.

Joshua Pearson then saw red for a nasty lunge at Watkins to make matters worse for the visitors who switched keepers at half time with Alex Tokarczyk replacing a probably shell shocked Sam Somerville.

Hodges rang the changes taking off Yetton, Watkins and Afful ahead of Saturday's visit of leaders Woking.
To their credit Farnborough did keep going and a carbon copy of their opening goal saw skipper Adam Bygrave head home a corner.

But it was scant consolation on a night which will live long in the memory of the home fans.

City put eight past Farnborough

BBC Link

Truro City scored seven first-half goals as they beat Farnborough Town 8-2 to record their biggest Blue Square Bet South win.

Jack Collins gave the visitors a fifth-minute lead but Scott Walker equalised with a penalty eight minutes later.

Stewart Yetton put Truro ahead before Les Afful hit two and Andy Watkins, Yetton and Barry Hayles all struck.

Watkins scored an eighth in the second half as Adam Bygrave got one back for the visitors.

"I don't think I've played in anything like that or seen anything like that. It was incredible, especially after the first five minutes when we didn't start very well," manager Lee Hodges told BBC Radio Cornwall.

"It was the best 45 minutes since I've been at the club. It was incredible to watch and it was hard for me to go in there and know what to say to them at half-time really. It was one of the easiest team talks I've ever had to make."

The victory moves Truro up to eighth place in the table, with Farnborough in 19th.

On the Tiger Talk forum, PUDDY said:

Has Lee produced a gem by moving Yettie to midfield?

He has great energy, can pass, tackle and shoot and , importantly, can break forward quickly from own half. He , as captain, was vocal and led by example last night...

Yetts has excelled in his new Captain's role

GORRANBLADE said:

When Yettie has been brought on as a sub in previous games, he's been running around like a headless chicken but last night he was outstanding and so skillful. Joe Broad was the playmaker in front of the defence and Yettie behind Barrington and the two wingers. Danny Clay also had a good game IMO.

Truro City v Farnborough video highlights

Video highlights of the spectacular 8 - 2 win, by Piran Films, LINK

Dartford vs Truro City video highlights

Courtesy of Dartford FC

Priceless !

The confessions of a Truro City away day in Dartford:

1 pint of Tribute in The Malt Shovel
1 pint of Doom Bar and 2 pints of Dartford Wobbler at The Ivy Leaf
1 pint of Greene King IPA in the clubhouse (I had a sneeky extra pint at half time)
2.5 pints of Doom Bar in The ivy Leaf after the match (I was on Wobbler)

Thats 7.5 pints (8.5 for me)

Obviously me and the wife had to go to our local in Sutton for a couple of pints of London Pride as we were still thirsty!!

Why am I not still in bed?

Great day.
Signed:  SteveC!!!

Dartford vs Truro City

A fantastic result winning 2-1 away!

Lee Grimshaw, Glenn, Paulo, ChelseaDave and TigerAl.

John Mara, Mark Lancaster, GTH, Glenn, Dave, Lee.

 

Forum comments:

Essex Boy
We played well today, We dominated the first half with Watto bossing the right wing. The second half went more Dartford's way but the defence was immense. Special mention to Ed Palmer who really did himself credit today and in most of Truro support was man of the match.

The one sour note was the ridiculous sending off of Joe Broad. He did nothing to deserve it whatsoever. Apparently the lino said to the ref that Blue 14 (we had made no substitutions) and White 7 (at least 50 yards away) were involved the incident. The ref was a substitute after the original pulled a muscle in the first half so it seems he was out of his depth.

About 30 Truro fans in attendance who made a lot of noise and out sang the Dartford fans throughout the game.

A special mention for the Dartford ground. What a fantastic place. Great view, brilliant facilities and a good bar with friendly staff and supporters. A fine day out.

Mid Cornwall White:
Looks like full credit to Hodgy must go for his team line up today.
Without Pugh and Marcus Martin it's good to see Hayles, Yetton Walker and Afful starting - shows the positive intentions to get a result from the start.
Oh yes - And Hodgey has named himself has sub - welcome back Hodgey !
Andy (Scott) Walker down to being a sub - a few dicey performances lately but the rest should do him good and I'm sure he'll be back firing on all cylinders soon.
I tell you, on our day we can defeat anyone in this division - Not counting my chickens just yet but with Stevie Adams back hopefully the team will concede less.
As I speak Yetton just missed a good chance - Half Time delayed by about 8 minutes - come on City !!!

Smoot:

Amazing result, Dartford had a 100 percent home record before today.

White Tiger:

After yet another trying few days off the pitch dispite injuries and suspensions and having ten men for the last 20 minutes I agree best result of the season so far.
Thats get right behind the team again on Tuesday night when we play a certain Farnborough.

SomersetSpur:

Bloody fantasic result.
This team never ceases to amaze me.
After last weeks result and all the off field antics,
Lee Hodges and the boys go and get a result like that.
Well if the boys have'nt been paid for a while,they
certainly deserve their wages this week.

Images courtesy Brian Thompson

Dartford Forum reactions:

MINTY61

Where to start ! When the pass back was played to Andy i almost looked away, knowing what he's like with them. He should have just hoofed it away instead of trying to trap it, he's not good enough to do that. I'm surprised our defender even had the confidence in him to do that. Then an unfortunate own goal gave us a mountain to climb. 
The farce with the officials just compounded the situation and the Truro players took advantage of the change of officials. They tried to get every foul they could possibly get and break up the play.
They say one man doesn't make a team but missing Charlie was a huge hole to fill. Playing Danny up front on his own was a mistake.  He's no target man and that's not his game. If you are going to play him up front, you need someone to hold the ball for him as he's not that type of player like Charlie.
Truro are the worst team to visit PP this season and apart from the first goal which was Sunday park stuff, they didn't have a shot on goal ! We had plenty of chances and if Charlie had been playing he would have probably scored at least one ,but he's gone and we have to get on with it.
It's going to be an interesting week coming up. Thurrock on Tuesday and FA Cup on Saturday.
I think Andy Young should have a few sleepless nights coming up as that was an awful mistake he made and its not the first time he's done that, this time he got caught out.
IF IN DOUBT, KICK IT OUT ! 
C'mon Darts, put this result behind us and get 3 points on Tuesday. We can't let Charlie going ruin our season, it's too early !
MOTM, between Burnsy and Rodgers for me !

SILVERADO

Did not having Charlie any more make any difference today? Well, difficult to tell when you've managed to commit double hari-kiri in the first 6 minutes! What his absence did show, though, was that playing Danny Harris as a lone striker didn't work - at least not today: the service to him was just not good enough. Too many long, hopeful balls all match and a total lack of cohesion because of TCFC's harrying.

I'm not sure the match would have been played the same way if there hadn't been a change of ref, but at times it threatened to get needlessly nasty, and it was little wonder that so many cards (ca. 7 yellow and 1 red) were brandished - most when we were fighting to get back into the game and the Truro players were milking every DFC foul for all they were worth. I wonder if the keeper has recovered yet from the GBH inflicted on him when he landed awkwardly?

Not wanting to dwell on the match, which is something I would like to draw a veil over, I'm glad I'm not booked for the end-of-season return match. because I'd hate to see such a lot of cheating, whingeing time-wasters again (he said with his mouth full of sour grapes).

But once again the Darts simply failed to perform as we know they can do. Boreham Wood and now this - enough, please!!!

LOL

Charlie has gone, let's get over it. Don't think even he could have got us out of that one. some days, things just don't go your way.  I don't think Andy deserves harsh criticism, he should have been a bit more awake early on for sure. 2 up after 7 minutes should have been a cruise for Truro and they should not have had anyone booked, let alone red carded. Their antics let us back in to the game, and we dominated for long periods to no avail. Jacob Erskine is a big target up front, but I hope we don't go for long over the top balls to him. Or is that what he wants? Time will tell. Hopefully today was a blip, and Thurrock will suffer for it on tuesday. And Bromley next saturday!!

TISA Annual General Meeting - Monday 14th Nov

TISA will be holding our first Annual General Meeting on Monday 14th November 2011, 7.30pm at Truro Railway Club.

All members are urged to attend - given the current situation with the club this meeting will be vital to shape the supporters' role going forward.

An agenda will follow shortly.

Nominations for the following Committee positions are now invited:

Chairman
Vice Chairman
Secretary
Treasurer
Travel Secretary
2 General Committee members

If any TISA member would like to stand for any of these positions, please contact Colin Carter by Friday 11th November.

A digital slide show of the highlights of every match this season so far, will follow after the AGM.

Ian Rennie sacked as Club Secretary

TCFC Statement issued 20th October 2011.

Ian Rennie with Lee Hodges - Aug 2011.

In an attempt to keep all Truro City fans abreast of how the club is developing, we would like to inform you all that Ian Rennie has been asked to step aside as Football Secretary. The Chairman is keen to express his thanks to Ian for his efforts over the past years and is hopeful that Ian will remain with the club in some capacity.

The challenges of playing Conference South level football have not only been felt by the players, but the club has also needed to review its development plan and embrace all aspects of community, youth and adult football and the potential funding available which will benefit the long term plans of the club as a whole.

Based on this, a new role is required that encompasses the secretarial, development, community and funding aspects of a modern club. The Chairman is pleased to announce that Mark Woolcock will be assuming these responsibilities and will work to ensure the ongoing security and success of Truro City FC.

Chris Webb
Vice-Chairman, TCFC.

TISA Opinion:

One has to question the wisdom of the sacking of such a key figure in the club, at such a crucial time in the Club's history.  Whatever events led to this situation, only Ian and Kevin will fully know.  However, with massive issues such as an impending HMRC Winding Up Order, transfer/registration embargo, a statement from Lee that "he will not quit" , the recent disappearance of the Club general manager, unpaid players, the ongoing lack of recognition towards the supporter's club and you would have thought that an experienced Club Secretary was crucial at this juncture.  We wish Mark good luck in his new role but as the First Team Physio, will have more than enough to do already. 

Lee Hodges will not quit the club

Source: BBC LINK

 

Truro City boss Lee Hodges says he has no intention of quitting the club despite seeing his side concede 12 goals in their last two matches.

The club also faces a winding-up order in the High Court at the end of the month over an unpaid tax bill.
Hodges told BBC Radio Cornwall he would do his job "until I'm told otherwise".

Truro were knocked out of the FA Cup on Saturday after losing 7-2 at Gloucester City and they were beaten 5-2 at home by Basingstoke in their last league game.

Hodges is unable to strengthen his squad due to the club's financial issues and says that it is having a detrimental effect on his side.

 

"I think the problem with the squad at the moment is that too many players are going through the motions," added Hodges.

"They know that they're not going to get dropped because I haven't got the squad depth to take them out and bring others in.

"That's something that hopefully we will resolve and we can make it a more competitive squad and that you have to play for your shirt."

The Truro City job is Hodges' first in management and he guided his side to promotion from the Southern Premier League last season into the Blue Square Bet South, the highest level any side from Cornwall has ever played at.

"I had a really good year and I got told by quite a few managers that it doesn't always work out like that and now I'm seeing the other side of it," he said.

Lee's view on the Gloucester City game

Gloucester City  7  Truro City  2, 

FA Cup 3rd Qualifying Round

"I am bitterly disappointed and frustrated and must apologise to the fans.  Once Gloucester had gone 4-2 up, we collapsed.  Some of the players just gave up and that is not acceptable.  I have never been involved in a game where we have just given up like that before.

"At 3-1 I felt we could possibly still get something, and for the first 15 minutes of the second half we created chance after chance and we were unfortunate not to get back in it.  I felt Andy Watkins had done ever so well up front and we had caused them a lot of problems.

"But we defend as a team and we attack as a team and at the moment we are doing neither.  I would like to make changes, but that's the difficult thing - I haven't got enough personnel to bring into the team and as we all know the present situation prevents me from making new signings.  Hopefully, the club will turn the corner soon and we can start moving in the right direction again."

Gloucester video highlights by ITV

Click on the link to view the video highlights LINK HERE

Gloucester Manager interview

A frank interview from David Mehew immediately after the match.

Gloucester City vs Truro City FA Cup Qualifier - images

Tiger Talk forum quote:

SomersetSpur:

Just got back from the game.Spirit amongst the fans was still upbeat.
This was not a 7-2 defeat like it sounds.
Going forward,Watkins,Afful and Smith caused Gloucester problems all game,and at 3-2 it was anybodies game.
Defensively,well what can I say,dreadful,it was'nt just Ed Palmer.Im afraid we have no quick defenders who can get back to recover,when teams get beyond our back four.
I'm sure when Jake gets fit and sit in front of the back 4,and Steve Adams get fit, things will improve.

With Barry Hayles to return,Watto getting on the scoresheet,Dan Smith showing some form,plus the fantastic support[even Jake came and sat with us for 90 mins].Dont throw the towel in just yet,folks.
Come on City.

Striker:

There are some things about the game today that I feel need comment.

The first is that Truro badly need a goalkeeper who is capable of playing at this standard. I'm not slagging of the keeper but its just not fair expecting him to perform at a levet hes clearly not up to.

The second is that they need someone to coach them properly at this level. I have never seen a defence play so square. Every time Gloucester were attacking it was so obvious what was going to happen balls were just being threaded through and the two central defenders just didn't seem to get it. It was basic defending at its worst.

Why the hell did they persist in hammering balls in the air to Les Afful. Every single time the ball was just pumped back and put our defence under pressure.

Why do some Truro players insist in thinking they can beat the opposition on their own. It beggars belief that they continue to do it instead of releasing the ball to players in better positions. Its basic commonsense. Its having a football brain.

When the fourth goal went in they seemed to give up. I accept its demoralising but you need to keep going.

I feel that a reappraisal of the approach to the way they play is necessary. Some additional help is needed on the coaching side and the approach to future games.

Mountaineer

There is definitely a defensive problem, to lose a game WE COULD HAVE WON. 7-2 is hard to take, we had many chances and for the majority of the first hour we were the better team, the fourth goal killed us off, after that going forward chasing the result exposed our shell shocked goalie.

It is unfortunate but I agree with others Tim has lost confidence since those two games when he got injured, Martin Rice was a shot stopper and we always expected him to make himself big to rescue 'one on one' situations, I don't see Tim as a shot stopper in the Rice mould and he will not improve if he has to play behind today's defence week in week out, that and his positioning needs urgent attention.

There has to be a solution, week after week we come up against teams of lesser allround ability apart from defending, that is one position all our opponents appear to outshine us.

TRURO's M.O.M - Andrew Watkins. -

Loyal TISA Fans

(Photo above and below courtesy Brian Thompson)

A stunning ground with nice backdrop

Roberto Copez and Bob!

Three parts of the Carter empire

GTH, Cee Cee and Watford Mick.

Parklands social

Jake with loyal supporters from the Midlands

Steve C and Chelsea Dave

Watford Mick and Steve Rogers

The Carters outside the Kemble Brewery.

Many thanks to Brian Thompson for some of the photo's posted here.

Gloucester City away travel - final call for numbers

As of Thursday, we have about a dozen seats remaining on the coach to Gloucester this Saturday.  If you know anyone who wants to go, please call either myself (07776 214300) or Brian Thompson (07917 821859).  The coach is leaving Treyew Road at 8am.

Lee Hodges rules out new signings

Source:  BBC LINK

Truro City manager Lee Hodges says he will not be making any additions to his squad for the foreseeable future.

The White Tigers, who are 13th in Blue Square Bet South, face a winding-up petition at the High Court later this month over an unpaid tax bill.

Hodges ruled out bringing in any new faces to BBC Radio Cornwall: "Not for the time being, the way the club is at the moment.

"We've got what we have and we'll be trying to give it everything."

Heavy home defeat for City

Source: Lee Hall LINK  (Photo's to follow)

Truro City 2, Basingstoke Town 5

TRURO City slumped to their heaviest defeat of the season as they were ruthlessly put to the sword by an impressive Basingstoke Town outfit at Treyew Road on Saturday.

It wasn't even a particularly poor display from Lee Hodges' men, but the difference on the day was that Basingstoke were more clinical in front of goal.

Truro found themselves trailing after just 14 minutes when Delano Sam-Yorke headed home Nathan Smart's deflected effort towards goal.

Tim Sills added a second for Basingstoke five minutes later when he beat City goalkeeper Tim Sandercombe to the ball to prod the ball into the back of the net.

All was not lost for City when Scott Walker beat former Exeter City goalkeeper Ashley Bayes from the spot in the 21st minute after Les Afful was brought down in the box by Taylor Parmenter.

But on the half hour mark Truro conceded again when Lake was the quickest to react in the box from Sandercombe's half clearance from a cross.

Truro could so easily have been back in the game again when Andy Watkins fired over from ten yards out. And that miss would prove costly as, just moments later, Sills made it 4-1 with his second of the game and the goal of the game, when he drove the ball into the top corner from 25 yards.

Basingstoke were then gifted a fifth goal in the 84th minute when McAuley pounced on Arran Pugh's pass back and lifted the ball over Sandercombe.

With a minute of normal time remaining Walker scored his second goal from the penalty spot after Afful was tripped in the box by Toby Little.

Truro: T Sandercombe, B McConnell, S Walker, A Pugh, E Palmer, J Broad, A Taylor (D Smith 65), M Martin (S Yetton 77), A Watkins, B Hayles, L Afful. Subs (not used): C Cooke, S Adams, D Clay.
Basingstoke: A Bayes, N Smart, T Little, T Parmenter, J Gasson, S Lake, W Daly (S Dunn 86), S McAuley, T Sills (R Gradwell 84), D Sam-Yorke (D Pratt 71), M Warner. Subs (not used): C Morris, W Gondwe.

Referee: Brett Huxtable (Torrington).
Crowd: 521.

City carry out Great Escape

Source: thisiscornwall LINK

Truro City 3, Bournemouth FC 2

City captain Andy Taylor inspects the haircut (expand to view)

AS the theme tune from 'The Great Escape' belted out of the PA system at full-time, manager Lee Hodges could at last afford a wry smile after watching his side reach the next round of the FA Cup by the skin of their teeth.

City were seven minutes away from crashing out of the competition at the hands of Wessex League Premier Division outfit Bournemouth FC.

But one remarkable minute turned the tables in spectacular fashion as goals from Scott Walker (83) and substitute Marcus Martin (84) ensure the most dramatic of victories.

Hodges' men can now look forward to a third qualifying round clash with Blue Square Bet North outfit Gloucester City on October 15.

It could so easily have been the Poppies making the trip to Cheltenham Town's Whaddon Road, where Gloucester ground share, on Saturday week.

And Hodges was clearly a relieved man after reflecting on Tuesday night's topsy turvy encounter, watched by a crowd of just 182.

He said: "Relieved is an understatement.  "It was a frustrating night and one which I didn't think was going to go in our favour for a time. "To go level at 1-1 I thought we would go on and win the game, but we shot ourselves in the foot and made it hard for ourselves again.

"But that's cup football, we got two in a minute and we're through to the next round.
"People will forget about it now because it's all about getting through.

Disappointed

"That was the aim before the game, I'm disappointed with the way we played, but we're in the next round and that's what counts."

There was a big let off for City in the ninth minute when James Pinder sped past Walker before striking the post with a low drive.
In the 17th minute skipper Andy Taylor side footed narrowly wide after hitting Andy Watkins' pass with his first touch.

As City continued to press, Walker saw his free kick pushed around the post by Poppies' goalkeeper Max Frampton.
Moments later Watkins came within inches of scoring when he fired wide after Walker's free kick fell to the forward.

Despite their dominance City found themselves trailing in the 36th minute.
Referee Lee Swabey's decision to point to the spot after Tom McCormick tripped over the boot of Arran Pugh was harsh on the hosts. Dave Ewen stepped up and made no mistake to give Bournemouth an unlikely lead.

Whatever Hodges said at half-time seemed to do the trick as City drew level within four minutes of the restart. Hayles typically muscled his way through the Poppies' defence before rolling the ball into the bottom corner.

Disaster

However, disaster struck for City with 16 minutes remaining when substitute Mariusz Iglewski crossed for Jon Blake to stroke the ball home.  It almost got worse for City when Ewen directed his header inches wide.

But two goals in a minute swung the game dramatically in City's favour. First Walker drilled home from the penalty spot after Afful was brought down in the area.

And then Martin completed an amazing turnaround when he drove the ball in from the edge of the area after Frampton could only parry McConnell's low effort.

As the game entered stoppage time Tim Sandercombe produced a brilliant save to push away Fawzi Saadi's free kick.
In a frantic finale Walker's efforts deserved more when his free kick crashed off the bar.

Travel arrangements - FA Cup Third Qualifying Round

Brian Thompson will be taking names for the away game to Gloucester City on Saturday 15th October.  Numbers for this away game are likely to be higher than normal .  It is anticipated that a coach will be booked, based on confirmed numbers.   Cost will be no more than £20 (to be confirmed).  Brian's number is 07917 821859.  Book now to avoid disappointment.

TISA Meeting - Sat 8th Oct 12 noon

Just to let members know that there will be a TISA meeting at the Railway Club, 12 noon this Saturday.  There is quite a lot to discuss, not least the encouraging news that an olive branch has been handed to Brian Thompson, from Kevin himself.  In addition, following the thrilling win last night, FA Cup travel arrangements to Gloucester need to be sorted out.  Given the relative close proximity, it is anticipated that better than average numbers will attend this historical game.  Arrangements will be posted here once numbers are known.

Replay earns City a 3-2 win

After a difficult away draw, City battle to come back twice from behind, to win against an exciting Wessex league side. Below are a few images from the evening. More to follow later.

Players celebrate Marcus' goal

Crunching tackle from Yetts

Barrington scores the 1-1 equaliser

Andy Watkins tries to breakdown a strong defence.