Big Month Coming for Truro

Source: Football Web Pages.

Truro City manager Lee Hodges maintains his assertion that March is going to be an important month for the Blue Square Bet South club after Saturday’s 3-2 defeat at Eastleigh.

Hodges said: “Next month is a big month for us, starting this Saturday at home to Eastbourne Borough. We have seven matches in March and we need nine points from those seven games – that is the key.” A second 3-1 defeat in a row on the road means City slip to fifteenth in the table before Saturday’s game against Eastbourne.

The Sussex side are nineteenth, a place and a point above third-from-bottom Staines Town.

City remain nine points clear of the drop zone with a dozen matches remaining.

The Spitfires – managed by former Plymouth Argyle striker Ian Baird – leapt to sixth from eighth after Saturday’s Bradley Bubb-inspired victory in Hampshire.

On-loan Aldershot Town striker Bubb top and tailed the Spitfires’ success with goals in the 16th and 87th minutes.

In between, Danny Smith put the home side 2-0 up in the 27th minute before City skipper Jake Ash got the visitors back into the game on 65 minutes, after Scott Walker’s free-kick was helped on by central defender Arran Pugh.

Hodges fumed: “The frustration for me is that I know we have got goals in us. We proved that again on Saturday and last week and the week before that and the week before that.

“What let us down again is conceding soft goals, poor defending and that has cost us since the start of the season because we can score but we cannot seem to keep a clean-sheet.

“If we can keep a clean-sheet, I would back us to get three points because I know we have got goals in us.

“I would back us to score nine times out of ten.

“We have to concentrate on our defending and putting it right – starting next Saturday – because we want something from the Eastbourne game and we want to start the month with some points in the bag.”

City Alerts - Lee's view of the Eastleigh game

LEE'S VIEW on Eastleigh 3 Truro City 1

"This was a particularly hard one to swallow. We had played so well at Dover the previous week and in some respects it was a repeat performance here, but once again we didn't do ourselves justice because defensive weaknesses let us down badly.

Lee Hodges

"The big difference was that Eastleigh were prepared to throw their bodies on the line for their cause, but we weren't. Our defending wasn't tight enough and once again some of our players were just too timid in their approach. It seems we don't want to get hurt.

"It was very disappointing because we are capable of scoring goals against teams, but it is unrealistic to expect us to be scoring three all the time to compensate for goals conceded. We have seen this sort of defensive performance all too often this season. I remain convinced that we are good enough at this level, but we are hampered by the present size of the squad and the transfer embargo. I'm not a fan of huge squads, but there's no escaping that we are handicapped by the squad's present size. I need more options; I need to be able to give players a break occasionally.

"At Eastleigh, I was disappointed that we didn't get a stonewall penalty when Les Afful was brought down with the score still 0-0. Apart from that, I felt we allowed Eastleigh to dictate in the first half, but we dominated the second. Jake pulled one back and there were three or four close range chances that were crying out for someone to poke the ball home. An equaliser really looked on the cards before they broke away for their third near the end."

The Eastleigh flag

Mike Truscott, City Alerts.

Lee Hodges' post match Eastleigh report

Barry McConnell post Eastleigh interview

Eastleigh vs Truro match report by Alex O'Loughlin

Eastleigh 3-1 Truro CityThe Silverlake Stadium | Saturday 25 February
Written by Alex O'Loughlin

Eastleigh bounced back from defeat at Salisbury in midweek to claim all three points at the Silverlake, overcoming Truro City 3-1 as they extend their home unbeaten run to nine games.

The Spitfires came into the match having never beaten a Cornish side, but were soon relieved of that stat thanks partly to a brace from on loan striker Bradley Bubb.

The Aldershot loanee struck either side of half-time to catapult Eastleigh up to sixth in the Blue Square Bet South, nine points off of the play-off places.

Bubb’s first strike came quarter of an hour into the match after excellent work down the left flank by Damian Scannell, who after jinking and jerking, delivered a curling cross to the back post which the striker headed home emphatically to give the Spitfires the lead.

However, Bubb had to wait until the 87th minute to get his second of the game and it came to great relief of the Eastleigh fans as it made it 3-1 to the hosts, putting to bed any hopes of a Truro comeback after they battled hard in the second period to reduce an initial 2-0 halftime deficit.

The game began in controversial style when just 3 minutes into the match Truro winger Les Afful was seemingly hauled to the ground by Mitchell Nelson inside the box, sparking frantic appeals from both players and coaching staff alike, only for the referee to wave away their appeals.

It was a rather uneventful opening ten minutes, but that could have been different had Bubb managed to latch onto Jamie Slabber’s cross which just evaded the front man.

But Bubb had greater success five minutes later when he put Eastleigh 1-0 up from Scannell’s cross, scoring his eighth goal since joining the club on loan.

Both Scannell and Bubb were causing the City defence problems with both players going close to doubling Eastleigh’s lead, with Scannell’s rasping effort being deflected wide and Bubb’s rounding of the goalkeeper resulting in a tame shot from a tight angle.

But their lead was soon doubled when just past the twenty minute mark Jamie Brown slotted home, tucking in Mitchell Nelson’s low cross after the full-back had surged into the penalty area.

It was all one way from then on in and it could and perhaps should have been 3-0 at the break, only for Scannell to spurn a glorious chance after some intricate play between himself and Danny Smith, but Eastleigh were well worth their 2-0 lead at half time.

Truro were out on the pitch five minutes before the second half was due to start and Lee Holmes had obviously given his side a few choice words, as his side began the second half in dominant fashion.

The busy Les Afful almost embarrassed home keeper Jack Dovey when his seemingly harmless half volley was dropped by the Southampton youngster, only for the goalkeeper to recover and pounce on the ball as veteran Barry Hayles lurked.

Having not lost at home in the previous eight fixtures you could perhaps forgive Eastleigh for being slightly complacent, but Andy Watkins almost made them panic as his shot from ten yards flew just over the top of the bar as the pressure began to mount on the Spitfires.

Eventually that pressure told and Truro grabbed a goal back through captain Jake Ash who latched on to 6’ 7” defender Arron Pugh’s flick on to stab past Dovey and into the net.

Now just trailing by a single goal City upped their tempo yet again, as they began to encamp themselves in the Eastleigh half as the home side struggled to deal with the tenacity shown by their opposition.

As the clock ran down and the Eastleigh fans began to fear for their leading position their worries were soothed by the impressive Bubb, who after latching on a through ball composed himself to slot past keeper Oliver Chenoweth, scoring his ninth goal in nine games for the club making it 3-1 and guaranteeing all three points were going to Eastleigh.

With just moments remaining Bubb could have completed his hat-trick when he found himself again one-on-one with Chenoweth, only this time his shot was more erratic and clattered off the advertising hoardings next to the goal.

Eastleigh played out the remaining few minutes to claim all three points as they got their hunt for a play-off place back on track, but Ian Baird remained coy on their ambitions stating “to go by an old football adage we’ll take each game as it comes.”

Tom Brooks' contract terminated at his own request

By Rhod Mitchell, ThisisCornwall

Just a day after Truro City extended the stay at Treyew Road for the rest of the season of on loan Plymouth Argyle keeper Ollie Chenoweth, the Blue Square Bet South Club have announced that another of the club's goalkeepers, Tom Brooks, has had his contract terminated at his own request.

Brooks has made a few appearances in goal this season after injury ruled out first choice Tim Sandercombe, but then suffered a hand injury with Chenoweth being recruited from Argyle and has not played since.

City boss Lee Hodges said: "He has made it clear that he doesn't want to remain with the club and wants more time with his family. I won't stand in the way of anyone who no longer wants to be with Truro City.

"I am grateful to him for his service to the club. He has been a model pro. I appreciate it must have been a frustrating time spending such long periods on the bench, and I can understand that he would have wanted more game time, but that's football. 

"He's still a young lad, learning his trade. Hopefully, he will carry on, get another club and maybe start climbing the ladder again."

It means City will probably not have a recognised reserve keeper for tomorrow's trip to eighth-placed Eastleigh who City beat 2-1 back in August.

City will also be without long term injury victim Stewart Yetton."

Hodges said: "He (Yetton) trained last night and looked very sharp, but we had a chat afterwards and agreed it would be best just to give him a little bit longer. 

"He's definitely going to be involved again at some stage in March, when we've got seven games and just a small squad. So we both felt it made sense to give it another week."

A few more images from Dover

Rangers-JP has just sent these images from the Dover away trip last week.

Freestanding advertising board displaying Dover's FA Cup run

Outside the Old Endeavour, Dover

Two-pints Tim at the clubhouse

Jake Ash presents Jacko with a signed shirt

Lee Hodges with Jacko

Paul Condon

Tim Mitchell

Paulo sleep walking

Steve Rogers and Jake Ash

City Alerts - Ollie Chenoweth loan extended

Player-manager Lee Hodges has re-signed Plymouth Argyle goalkeeper Ollie Chenoweth on loan until the end of the season, with a 24-hour call-back clause.

Says Lee:  "This is great news.   I am delighted to have him on board.  In the three games he has already played for us, he has shown that he is definitely one for the future at Argyle and we are fortunate to have him with us now. 

I am sure he will enjoy it (at TCFC) and benefit from the extended loan arrangement as much as we will from having him with us."

Mike Truscott,  Editor, City Alerts

Crash victim was dedicated City fan

Source: ThisisCornwall  LINK

TRIBUTES have been paid to one of Truro City Football Club's "most dedicated supporters" who was killed in a car crash at the weekend.

St Austell woman Gillian Alderman, 66, was killed as she travelled home from the club's game with Dover Athletic on Saturday at about 8pm.

She was travelling with two fellow season ticket holders – Bob Fagan and John Salisbury – also from St Austell, when they were involved in a collision on the A303 at Winterbourne Stoke.  Police said their car rolled over with the force of the collision.

Rear seat passenger Ms Alderman, who lived near St Austell cricket ground, was injured and died at the scene.

Mr Fagan, 72, who had pelvic injuries, and driver Mr Salisbury, 77, who suffered chest and back pains, were taken to the Salisbury District Hospital.

Both men have since been discharged from hospital.

"They were without a shadow of a doubt the most dedicated supporters of the club – nice, genuine people – and that's what makes it even more tragic," said Truro City Football Club chairman, Kevin Heaney.

"Gillian, Bob and John travelled to all the matches together. They were season ticket holders since I started at the club in 2004 but have been lifelong fans – what I call real supporters.

"They travelled to every single game, home and away, rain, sun or snow, and they were always first there.
"It puts your whole life into perspective. It couldn't have happened to nicer people."

He added: "I know everyone will join me in offering our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Gillian and our best wishes to Bob and John for a full and speedy recovery."

A minute's silence will be held in Gillian's memory prior to the team's next home match, against Eastbourne Borough, on Saturday, March 3, at 3pm.

Their Honda was in collision with a black Ford Focus, the driver of which was a 63-year-old woman from Andover, who sustained a fractured right collar bone.

The A303 was closed in both directions for seven hours while police investigated.

Police said everyone involved was wearing seatbelts.

Truro City vice-chairman, Chris Webb said: "Everyone is in complete shock. We just can't believe it."

Speaking on behalf of the team Truro City skipper Jake Ash said: "All the players have just heard the terrible and tragic news about Gillian.

"We can't stress enough how upset we all are by the passing of one of the club's greatest fans.

"She and Bob were always at games, and we never failed to notice, and appreciate, their support.

"They have followed the club all over the country and I had the pleasure of having a chat after the game with them on Saturday.

"They were their usual cheerful and positive selves, both bemoaning our luck before we wished each other a safe journey.

"Thank you Gillian for all your support; an absolute Truro City legend. All the players would like to pass their dearest condolences and best wishes to Bob and the family."

"You could tell Gill was a passionate supporter, she always let the lads know what she thought – good or bad," said Colin Carter, Truro Independent Supporters' Club chairman. "Tragedies like these transcend football."

If you knew Ms Alderman and would like to pay tribute, call 01726 871098 or e-mail clowe@c-dm.co.uk

Letter from Eric Pinch of Tavistock

I would just like to convey my sincere thanks for the excellent weekend I have just had with the T I S A boys at Dover, To Ray Jennings for the transport, Snowy for the choice of accommodation, Ray and Ian driving up and Steve "Lewis Hamilton" for the return journey.

Ever since Truro won promotion in 2005 at our Langsford Park, I have kept tabs on their meteoric rise up through the leagues and was fortunate to be at Wembley for the Vase victory.

Last year I finally got to see them play at Chippenham (what a game) and also at Banbury to clinch the title. I liked what I saw and promised myself I would watch them when the opportunity arose. I still follow the Lambs of Tavistock being a past Chairman and Secretary. I take a back seat now due to my business but sponsor them and have been a Vice President in recent times.

I did make the first game away to Chelmsford which was part of my fortnight's cycling holiday all around the south east in August and have since watched the home games against Gloucs, Hamp &Rich, W S M and Staines.

I have been fortunate with the Lambs remaining fixtures and hope to catch a further 8 games, away to Hamp & Rich, Basingstoke, Staines and Dorchester, home to B H Wood, Thurock, Hav & Waterlooville and I will cycle down for the final home game against Dartford.

What I have noticed is great camaraderie between supporters and great support for the team win, lose or draw.

Once again thank you T I S A for a great weekend see you at Hampton and Richmond.

Eric Pinch, Tavistock,

Message of condolence from Kevin Heaney and Chris Webb

FROM CHAIRMAN KEVIN HEANEY:

It is with extreme sadness that we must report the tragic death of one of our most loyal and longstanding supporters, Gillian Alderman. Gillian and two fellow season ticket holders, Bob Fagan and John Salisbury, were travelling back from the Dover match by car when they were involved in an accident on the A303 in Wiltshire on Saturday evening.

Gillian died at the scene. Bob and John were taken to hospital, with Bob discharged on Sunday.
Gillian was the ultimate loyal supporter. She was there, at every match, home and away; her face was such a familiar feature in the centre of our grandstand at Treyew Road, and she truly lived for Truro City. She will be so, so sadly missed.

Gillian, Bob and John travelled to all the matches together and were always at the ground, home and away, long before the start of the match. I had a long chat with them at lunchtime before our last home game, against Salisbury, and as always we shared our thoughts about how things were going and they were passionately concerned about the club's future. I had a lot of time for these people and this is such a tragedy. Words are inadequate at a time like this; it puts everything else into perspective.

I know everyone will join me in offering our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Gillian and our best wishes to Bob and John for a full and speedy recovery. A minute's silence in Gillian's memory will be held prior to our next home match, against Eastbourne Borough, on Saturday, March 3 (3 pm).

FROM CHRIS WEBB, VICE-CHAIRMAN: Quite simply, I knew Gillian and Bob as the loveliest couple you could ever have come across, really. They were Truro City through and through - always securing the very first season tickets, numbers one and two.

I would turn up at the ground at 12.30 on match day and they would be there in the car park by the entrance, waiting for the gates to open. No matter where we were playing - Penzance or Dover - they would be there. We would turn up in the coach and we would see them already there in the car park, waiting. Everyone at the club is devastated by this news.

Mike Truscott, City Alerts

Some very sad news

Dear All,

I've spoken to a few people and thought long and hard before making this post. I think we all wanted to wait a bit longer out of respect to the persons involved before this subject was mentioned on Tigertalk, but since the news is now circulating on twitter and other media it can't be avoided and I sincerely apologise to anyone who may find this news troubling.

John Salisbury, Bob Fagan and Gillian Alderman at the Welling game in January

Earlier this morning I was contacted by Chris Webb who had been made aware of a report in today's Western Morning News. As the day has unfolded our worst fears have been realised. Unfortunately it appears that three of our fellow Truro City supporters were involved in a serious traffic accident on the way home from Dover on Saturday night.

Many of you who follow Truro City home and away will know Bob and Gillian who rarely if ever miss a match. Sadly Bob and a fellow passenger in their car were injured, I believe (through information kindly supplied by Chris this evening) that Bob has been discharged from hospital in Salisbury. It is with deep regret that I have to report that Gillian lost her life in the accident. I don't wish to elaborate or add any more detail but only to pass on my sincerest condolences to Bob and that our thoughts, sympathy and best wishes are with Bob, Gillian and his friend at this time, I'm sure every Truro fan would join me in doing so.

I understand that Truro City Football Club may wish to release something themselves in due course but I'm sure we all as a community will feel deeply upset at this news.

Mark.

TISA Secretary.

City Alerts - Lee's view on the Dover game

LEE'S VIEW on  Dover Athletic   3   Truro City   1

"We played really well and it was a big disappointment to come away with nothing, but that's football.  Last week we didn't put in such a good performance but still saved a point against Salisbury, and this time I could hardly have asked for more from the lads but it was all to no avail.

Marcus watched by Stevie Adams and Jake Ash

"I was particularly pleased to see them doing consistently well throughout the 90 minutes.  So often this season we have played well for 45 minutes and then gone off the boil.  At Dover, we were camped in their half for long periods and apart from the goals Ollie Chenoweth was rarely troubled.  Dover are pushing for the play-offs, but we were there to win the game and I got a lot of encouragement from the performance.

"I thought the ref did well and there was just the one contentious decision from our point of view.  Just before half-time, when we were 2-1 down, Scott Walker took a free-kick and one of their players leaned into it and handled, but the ref claimed he had not moved and the ball had struck him.  That's not the way we saw and it's not often you see all ten of our outfield players surrounding the ref, but that's the way it was this time because that's how convinced they were that it should have been a penalty.  If we had equalised at that point, then who knows how the second half could have gone."

Lee on goalkeeper TIM SANDERCOMBE:   "I originally ruled him out for the rest of the season after his knee operation, but he's had a scan and the result is encouraging and he may be six weeks away now.  But there's a long way to go and he has to be very careful with his recuperation, so I don't want to raise hopes in that direction.  It really is a case of wait and see."

Mike Truscott, City Alerts.

Fans images from Dover

Dover Athletic images from the game

Dover Athletic 3 Truro City 1

The Crabble, Dover 18th Feb 2012.

Images by Steve Rogers.

Les Afful

Andy Watkins lines one up

Andy Watkins pulled down

Jake Ash - a marked man

Barrington chasing down

Free kick just outside the box led to nothing

Barry in the rain

Scotty Walker with Broady in the backgroun

Barry McConnell acknowledges the Tisa fans

Jake Ash applauding the fans

Sandercombe NOT out for rest of the season

CONTRARY TO REPORTS IN THE LOCAL NEWS, Truro City's first choice keeper Tim Sandercombe has NOT been ruled out for the rest of the season following an operation on his knee.

Tim has commented on his Twitter account the following: "Not sure where the info has come from but I have had my op and it went well, I will not be out all season! I will be back stronger by march".

City Alerts - Dover preview

PREVIEW, away to Dover Athletic, League, 3 pm, Saturday, 18 February 2012. 

TEAM NEWS:   Goalkeeper Ollie Chenoweth's last game under present loan arrangement with Plymouth Argyle.  'Keeper Tom Brooks recovered from hand injury and back on bench.   'Keeper Tim Sandercombe has had operation on knee and apparently went well, but out for rest of season.  Stewart Yetton (knee) unfit.

DOVER ATHLETIC: currently 8th in League, with 41 points from 26 matches, won 10, drawn 11, lost 5, goals for 41, against 27. 

Last three results:  drew 1-1 at home to Salisbury City;  drew 1-1 at Dorchester;  drew 1-1 at home to Eastbourne Borough.   Truro won 1-0 against Dover in home fixture on August 20.

Mike Truscott.

The Tisa X1

Tisa boys at Boscawen Park last Sunday.

JT John Tremayne

Robin Netherton

Paul Condon and young Birchy

Mark Brent

Grimmy and Snowy

Jaz lines one up

Danny Humphrys

Lee Grimshaw takes out the Hendra Ultra

Lee Grimshaw and Alan Wilton