PREVIEW, away to Staines Town, League, 3 pm, Saturday, 31 March 2012.
TEAM NEWS: STEVE ADAMS, ANDY WATKINS and ARRAN PUGH all fully recovered from illness, and 16-strong squad will travel.
MARCUS MARTIN begins two-match suspension next Saturday, April 7.
STAINES TOWN: currently second from bottom of League, with 35 points from 36 matches, won 9, drawn 8, lost 19, goals for 43, against 57. Last three results: won 4-0 at Dover, last Saturday, lost 2-1 at home to Eastbourne Borough, drew 1-1 at home to Tonbridge Angels. At Treyew Road on January 28, City beat Staines 2-1, with two goals from Andy Watkins.
UPCOMING FIXTURES, all League: Saturday, April 7, Havant & Waterlooville, home, 3 pm; Monday, April 9, Dorchester Town, away, 3 pm; Saturday, April 14, Bromley, home, 3 pm; Saturday, April 21, Woking away, 3 pm; Saturday, April 28, Dartford, home, 3 pm.
30 March 2012
Lee Hodges reckons City are one win away
Lee Hodges believes his Truro City side are just one win away from securing their place in Blue Square Bet South for next season, following last Saturday's crucial 3-0 home win over bottom club Thurrock.
The Tigers' boss is hoping his team can pick up those points when they travel to second-from-bottom Staines Town on Saturday.
Hodges said: "I've always maintained we need forty-five points, and after Saturday we have forty-two. There are six games to go, and we want to finish well."
City beat Staines 2-1 at Treyew Road in January, coming from behind, thanks to two goals from Andy Watkins. But the Middlesex side will be buoyed by their unexpected 4-0 win at promotion-chasing Dover Athletic last Saturday.
However, Hodges believes the pressure is all on Staines who are seven points behind City. "They need a win more than we do," he said.
"I've been delighted with the way we have played in the last couple of matches and we have got to keep that going." Hodges may have the rare luxury of being able to travel to Staines with a 16-man squad.
Defender Steve Adams, who missed the Thurrock game with illness, is set to be available, while Watkins, who was on the bench but in no fit state to play because of a chest infection, is also due to train this week
Up front, the arrival of the vastly experienced Martin Gritton has given the squad a much-needed boost and, with Plymouth Argyle trainee Isaac Vassell also impressing on his two brief substitute appearances, it gives Hodges some options in attack.
He said: "I don't know whether I will be lucky enough to get sixteen, but at least I have some options. Grits has given the squad a real lift and he takes some of the pressure off Barry Hayles."
Source Western Morning News
25 March 2012
City dominate to earn priceless victory
By Rhod Mitchell, West Briton. Image by Steve Rogers
Truro City 3 Thurrock 0
City earned a crucial three points in their battle to avoid relegation from Blue Square Bet South with a dominant performance against the league's bottom clubs.
A first half goal from Marcus Martin and second-half strikes by new signing Martin Gritton on his return to his former club and substitute Adam Kelly with his first City goal eased the Tigers to victory.
In truth they could easily have doubled that victory margin with Thurrock keeper Ross Kitteridge making a string of five saves, while City were also guilty of some bad misses, none worse than when Barry Hayles hit the underside of the bar from point blank range.
However, their win was marred by a senseless late booking for Marcus Martin which took his to ten yellow cards for the season and now faces a two match ban.
Also results at the foot of the table did not really go their way with Hampton and Richmond Staines Town and Eastbourne Borough (2-1 at home to leaders Woking) all winning, while Havant and Waterlooville and Bromley both drawing their games.
But City are still seven points clear of the relegation places and face a another huge game at Staines next Saturday as they chase the handful of points they need to survive.
Lee Hodges made two changes from the side that lost at Basingstoke in midweek with Marcus Martin coming in for the unwell Steve Adams with Les Afful taking over from Kelly who dropped to the bench.
City were on top from the start and deservedly took the lead after 13 minutes when Marcus Martin headed home at the far post from Scott Walker's deep cross after Thurrock failed to clear his corner.
The visitors' goal bore a charmed life as Kitteridge was in inspired form denying Hayles, Stewart Yetton and Arran Pugh, while Martin hit the woodwork with a header.
However, towards the end of the half the Essex side came into the game and Ollie Chenoweth did well to block Lee Boylan's low drive with his legs.
And it was Chenoweth who was at the centre of the game's turning point at the start of the season.
First he did superbly to save David Night's powerful shot and then from his clearance kick Gritton beat Kitteridge to hook the ball over the keeper's head and into the net to make it 2-0.
It was virtually game over and the only real surprise was that City did not add to their tally when Gritton's persistence gave Kelly the chance to slide the ball into the empty net ten minutes from time.
City: Chenoweth; McConnell, Ash, Pugh, Walker, Yetton (Cooke 73), Broad, Martin, Afful (Kelly 73), Hayles (Vassell 81), Gritton. Sub (not used): Watkins.
Thurrock : Kitteridge; Deen, Ashton (Gilfedder 77), l' 'anson, Goodhind, Thurgood, Terry (Hughes 54), Cutler, Knight, Boylan, Nesbitt,
Subs (not used): Deen, White, Woodward.
Half time: 1-0.
Goals: Martin (14) 1-0, Gritton (47) 2-0, Kelly (80) 3-0.
Referee: Mark Pottage (Gillingham, Dorset).
Crowd: 492.
Truro City 3 Thurrock 0
City earned a crucial three points in their battle to avoid relegation from Blue Square Bet South with a dominant performance against the league's bottom clubs.
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| Marcus took the first goal but also a needless yellow card |
A first half goal from Marcus Martin and second-half strikes by new signing Martin Gritton on his return to his former club and substitute Adam Kelly with his first City goal eased the Tigers to victory.
In truth they could easily have doubled that victory margin with Thurrock keeper Ross Kitteridge making a string of five saves, while City were also guilty of some bad misses, none worse than when Barry Hayles hit the underside of the bar from point blank range.
However, their win was marred by a senseless late booking for Marcus Martin which took his to ten yellow cards for the season and now faces a two match ban.
Also results at the foot of the table did not really go their way with Hampton and Richmond Staines Town and Eastbourne Borough (2-1 at home to leaders Woking) all winning, while Havant and Waterlooville and Bromley both drawing their games.
But City are still seven points clear of the relegation places and face a another huge game at Staines next Saturday as they chase the handful of points they need to survive.
Lee Hodges made two changes from the side that lost at Basingstoke in midweek with Marcus Martin coming in for the unwell Steve Adams with Les Afful taking over from Kelly who dropped to the bench.
City were on top from the start and deservedly took the lead after 13 minutes when Marcus Martin headed home at the far post from Scott Walker's deep cross after Thurrock failed to clear his corner.
The visitors' goal bore a charmed life as Kitteridge was in inspired form denying Hayles, Stewart Yetton and Arran Pugh, while Martin hit the woodwork with a header.
However, towards the end of the half the Essex side came into the game and Ollie Chenoweth did well to block Lee Boylan's low drive with his legs.
And it was Chenoweth who was at the centre of the game's turning point at the start of the season.
First he did superbly to save David Night's powerful shot and then from his clearance kick Gritton beat Kitteridge to hook the ball over the keeper's head and into the net to make it 2-0.
It was virtually game over and the only real surprise was that City did not add to their tally when Gritton's persistence gave Kelly the chance to slide the ball into the empty net ten minutes from time.
City: Chenoweth; McConnell, Ash, Pugh, Walker, Yetton (Cooke 73), Broad, Martin, Afful (Kelly 73), Hayles (Vassell 81), Gritton. Sub (not used): Watkins.
Thurrock : Kitteridge; Deen, Ashton (Gilfedder 77), l' 'anson, Goodhind, Thurgood, Terry (Hughes 54), Cutler, Knight, Boylan, Nesbitt,
Subs (not used): Deen, White, Woodward.
Half time: 1-0.
Goals: Martin (14) 1-0, Gritton (47) 2-0, Kelly (80) 3-0.
Referee: Mark Pottage (Gillingham, Dorset).
Crowd: 492.
Images from the Thurrock game
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| Classic Les scissor kick |
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| Barry holds up the ball |
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| Gritts |
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| Barry and Paul Terry |
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| Scotty Walker |
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| Gritts chasing down |
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| Marcus header |
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| Arran tumbles in the box |
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| An in-form Marcus Martin. |
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| Les strike |
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| Yetti's new mohican |
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| Ollie put in faultless game keeping a welcome clean sheet |
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| Latest signing Vassell came on for last twenty minutes and looked lively |
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| Adam Kelly leads from the front |
Adam Kelly Truro City goal - build-up, shot and celebration
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| Gritts makes the assist |
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| Adam Kelly shot for his first goal for Truro City |
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| Pride, with Gritts first on the scene |
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| Team moral high as celebrations continue |
24 March 2012
Fans images from the Thurrock game
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| Bob and Ryan Thomas after the game |
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| Shed End boys |
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| Molre Shed Enders |
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| Tisa boys |
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| Roberto Copez |
23 March 2012
Gritton debut a tonic for Hodges
Written by Rhod Mitchell. Images by Steve Rogers.
Truro City manager Lee Hodges was delighted with the debut performance of new signing Martin Gritton in Tuesday's 2-1 Blue Square Bet South defeat at Basingstoke Town.
The 33-year-old striker, who has just been released by Blue Square Bet Premier outfit Stockport County, has also played for Plymouth Argyle, Yeovil Town, Torquay United, Grimsby Town, Lincoln City, Mansfield Town and Macclesfield Town, after beginning his career at Treyew Road – where he struggled to secure a place in City's third team and left to play for Perranwell and Porthleven.
Hodges hopes that the signing on a non-contract basis of the Glasgow-born Gritton, whose parents live in Truro, will help City grab the goals and points they need to stay safe from relegation.
Gritton partnered veteran Barry Hayles in a new-look attack at Basingstoke and impressed Hodges, before being substituted after cramping up in the second half.
Hodges said: "I thought Grits did really well and it's great to have him on board."
With the club still under a transfer embargo, Hodges was only able to bring in Gritton as he himself was out injured with a groin problem. The club is only allowed to have a squad of 16 fit players.
"I spoke to Martin and he immediately made it clear that he would like to come and help us," Hodges said. "If he comes in and does a good job for us, then we will be looking at the possibility of inviting him to re-sign for us for next season.
"He's a good size for a striker and he's hard-working. He knows a few of the boys here and it will be nice to have a new face in the changing room.
"Hopefully, his signing will be a real tonic for us at a crucial stage in the season, when we're targeting at least two more wins – six more points – which should ensure we stay clear of relegation."
City, who are still seven points clear of the relegation places, face a massive game on Saturday when bottom club Thurrock visit Treyew Road.
Hodges wants a repeat of Tuesday's performance, but with a different result. After being two down at the break, a Stewart Yetton goal on the hour was all City had to show for a strong second-half showing at Basingstoke.
Hodges said: "If we produce more of the same on Saturday, I think we will be fine. I'm really looking forward to it."
Hodges is hoping that strikers Andy Watkins and Isaac Vassell recover from a chest infection and a knee injury, respectively, before Saturday. "It's a massively important game on Saturday and three points will take us a long way to safety," he added.
Truro City manager Lee Hodges was delighted with the debut performance of new signing Martin Gritton in Tuesday's 2-1 Blue Square Bet South defeat at Basingstoke Town.
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| Lee after the Basingstoke game |
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| Gritts debut game at the Camrose, flanked by Broady and Stevie Adams |
Hodges hopes that the signing on a non-contract basis of the Glasgow-born Gritton, whose parents live in Truro, will help City grab the goals and points they need to stay safe from relegation.
Gritton partnered veteran Barry Hayles in a new-look attack at Basingstoke and impressed Hodges, before being substituted after cramping up in the second half.
Hodges said: "I thought Grits did really well and it's great to have him on board."
With the club still under a transfer embargo, Hodges was only able to bring in Gritton as he himself was out injured with a groin problem. The club is only allowed to have a squad of 16 fit players.
"I spoke to Martin and he immediately made it clear that he would like to come and help us," Hodges said. "If he comes in and does a good job for us, then we will be looking at the possibility of inviting him to re-sign for us for next season.
"He's a good size for a striker and he's hard-working. He knows a few of the boys here and it will be nice to have a new face in the changing room.
"Hopefully, his signing will be a real tonic for us at a crucial stage in the season, when we're targeting at least two more wins – six more points – which should ensure we stay clear of relegation."
City, who are still seven points clear of the relegation places, face a massive game on Saturday when bottom club Thurrock visit Treyew Road.
Hodges wants a repeat of Tuesday's performance, but with a different result. After being two down at the break, a Stewart Yetton goal on the hour was all City had to show for a strong second-half showing at Basingstoke.
Hodges said: "If we produce more of the same on Saturday, I think we will be fine. I'm really looking forward to it."
Hodges is hoping that strikers Andy Watkins and Isaac Vassell recover from a chest infection and a knee injury, respectively, before Saturday. "It's a massively important game on Saturday and three points will take us a long way to safety," he added.
21 March 2012
Last night's results go our way
Whilst we lost last night, we were fortunate in that every other game played last night went our way. The results could not have been better with Bromley and Havant drawing, nearer competitors Weston, Maidenhead and Eastleight all losing. Tonight Farnborough play... Tuesday 20th March 2012 | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FT | Basingstoke Town | (2) | 2 | 1 | (0) | Truro City | 318 |
| FT | Bromley | (0) | 0 | 0 | (0) | Havant & Waterlooville | 303 |
| FT | Dartford | (2) | 6 | 1 | (1) | Sutton United | 1,022 |
| FT | Dorchester Town | (0) | 1 | 2 | (2) | Chelmsford City | 384 |
| FT | Eastleigh | (0) | 1 | 2 | (0) | Tonbridge Angels | 307 |
| FT | Maidenhead United | (0) | 0 | 4 | (1) | Welling United | 260 |
| FT | Weston-super-Mare | (0) | 0 | 3 | (3) | Woking | 361 |
Gritton's Got Talent
Martin Gritton's debut for Truro City last night at the Camrose; he was given an hour from the start at the Basingstoke game, where Lee opted for a 4-3-3 system. First impressions are good despite some unwarranted negative press recently. We need every man we can get and Martin certainly played a part last night. He looked fit and commanding in the penalty area and should link up well with the pace of Watkins and Yetton. He also tracked back to defend well at times. For sure there's talent there and with a bit of luck, could sneak that winner to give us the six or so points required this season.
Basingstoke Town 2 Truro City 1
by Rhod Mitchell. Pictures by Steve Rogers
CITY suffered their second away Blue Square Bet South defeat in the space of four days as they went down to a rather unfortunate defeat at the Camrose Ground on Tuesday evening.
But the visitors, who gave a debut to former player and new signing, the much travelled Martin Gritton, could take plenty of positives from the match.
Trailing 2-0 at half time to an early Jake Ash own goal and a header just before the break by Delano Sam-Yorke City looked down and out.
But they staged a stirring second half fightback with Stewart Yetton pulling a goal back on the hour with a powerful shot.
City pressed hard for an equaliser and came close at the death when top scorer Scott Walker hit the post with a free-kick but the goal just would not come.
Truro City now face a massive match at home to bottom club Thurrock on Saturday as they desperately look for the six points they will probably need to be sure of avoiding the drop.
They are still seven points clear of the relegation places and will be hoping that Andy Watkins (illness) and Isaac Vassell (injury) will be available.
CITY: Chenoweth, McConnell, Walker, Pugh, Adams, Ash, Yetton (Martin 78), Broad, Gritton (Afful 66), Hayles, Kelly (Cooke 83).
Crowd: 318
Goals: Ash (6 og) 1-0, Sam-Yorke (42) 2-0, Yetton (59) 2-1;
by Rhod Mitchell. Pictures by Steve Rogers
CITY suffered their second away Blue Square Bet South defeat in the space of four days as they went down to a rather unfortunate defeat at the Camrose Ground on Tuesday evening.
But the visitors, who gave a debut to former player and new signing, the much travelled Martin Gritton, could take plenty of positives from the match.
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| Major flashpoint in first half where the lino's offside decision was overturned by the ref. |
But they staged a stirring second half fightback with Stewart Yetton pulling a goal back on the hour with a powerful shot.
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| In-form Stewart Yetton narrowly misses a strike on goal |
City pressed hard for an equaliser and came close at the death when top scorer Scott Walker hit the post with a free-kick but the goal just would not come.
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| Yetti's super strike for City's only goal |
They are still seven points clear of the relegation places and will be hoping that Andy Watkins (illness) and Isaac Vassell (injury) will be available.
CITY: Chenoweth, McConnell, Walker, Pugh, Adams, Ash, Yetton (Martin 78), Broad, Gritton (Afful 66), Hayles, Kelly (Cooke 83).
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| Jake and Barry acknowledge the travelling fans |
Goals: Ash (6 og) 1-0, Sam-Yorke (42) 2-0, Yetton (59) 2-1;
20 March 2012
Refreshing news - Martin Gritton joins Truro
Striker Martin Gritton has returned to the West Country and joined Blue Square Bet South club Truro City.
The Scottish forward was signed by then boss Ray Mathias for Conference Premier side Stockport County in the summer of 2011 but was released last week having not been able to force his way into the Hatters starting line-up this season and agreed a deal to leave Edgeley Park.
Thirty-three-year-old Gritton, who is currently studying for a career after football, will combine playing for the Cornish outfit whilst continuing his studies.
Gritton was released by League One side Yeovil at the end of last season after making just two appearances following his move from Chester City in March 2011.
He had previously played under Mathias during a two-year spell at Macclesfield from 2007.
Glasgow-born Gritton has had spells with several Football League clubs, most notably scoring twenty-five goals in his first spell at Torquay from 2002 to 2004.
He also turned out for Plymouth, Grimsby Town and Chesterfield.
LEE's view (as per City Alerts):
"This has been very much a last-minute thing, with Martin's release plus my own groin injury. I'm going to be out of action for several weeks, which meant that in accordance with the present transfer embargo terms I was able to bring in another player to bring the squad size back up to 16. I spoke to Martin and he immediately made it clear that he'd like to come and help us.
"He's a local lad, of course, and it will be great to see him back in Cornish football. I think he's played something like seven or eight matches for Stockport this season. If he comes in and does a good job for us, then we will also be looking at the possibility of inviting him to re-sign for us for next season.
"He's a good size for a striker and he's hard-working. He knows a few of the boys already and it will be nice to have a new face in the changing room.
Hopefully, his signing will be a real tonic for us at a crucial stage in the season, when we're targeting at least two more wins - six more points - which should ensure that we stay clear of relegation."
Welcome to Treyew Road Martin.
19 March 2012
City Alerts - Lee's view of the Tonbridge game
LEE'S VIEW on Tonbridge Angels 3 Truro City 0
"I can't fault the effort put in by the lads, but there's no denying they looked very tired after they'd put in such a great performance against Boreham Wood four days earlier. We were on the back foot for the first five minutes or so, but after that we grew in confidence and defended well for the remaining 40 minutes, apart from the first goal, when I felt we could have dealt better with the start of their move.
"I thought we were really in with a chance, but as soon as the second half got under way you could see that the legs were very heavy. The boys gave their all, but Tonbridge were worthy winners and we didn't deserve anything from this game.
"We didn't have the best preparation, although I'm not making an issue out of that. The coach stopped at a service station about half an hour away from the ground, so that the lads could stretch their legs, and a pair of inspectors came on board and said the coach couldn't go any further until a light had been fixed. So we had to order up taxis to get us to the ground, but we still had the same warm-up time as usual, so no excuses there. I will be making changes for tomorrow's match at Basingstoke, to freshen things up."
TEAM NEWS for tomorrow's trip to Basingstoke (7.45 pm): LEE HODGES (groin) out.
BASINGSTOKE: currently seventh in League, with 49 points from 33 games. Won 13, drawn 10, lost 10, goals for 50, against 42. Last three results: (Saturday) won 1-0 at home to Bromley, drew 1-1 at home to Dover, lost 2-0 at home to Tonbridge Angels. Treyew Road, October 8: City 2 Basingstoke 5.
Written by Mike Truscott
"I can't fault the effort put in by the lads, but there's no denying they looked very tired after they'd put in such a great performance against Boreham Wood four days earlier. We were on the back foot for the first five minutes or so, but after that we grew in confidence and defended well for the remaining 40 minutes, apart from the first goal, when I felt we could have dealt better with the start of their move.
"I thought we were really in with a chance, but as soon as the second half got under way you could see that the legs were very heavy. The boys gave their all, but Tonbridge were worthy winners and we didn't deserve anything from this game.
"We didn't have the best preparation, although I'm not making an issue out of that. The coach stopped at a service station about half an hour away from the ground, so that the lads could stretch their legs, and a pair of inspectors came on board and said the coach couldn't go any further until a light had been fixed. So we had to order up taxis to get us to the ground, but we still had the same warm-up time as usual, so no excuses there. I will be making changes for tomorrow's match at Basingstoke, to freshen things up."
TEAM NEWS for tomorrow's trip to Basingstoke (7.45 pm): LEE HODGES (groin) out.
BASINGSTOKE: currently seventh in League, with 49 points from 33 games. Won 13, drawn 10, lost 10, goals for 50, against 42. Last three results: (Saturday) won 1-0 at home to Bromley, drew 1-1 at home to Dover, lost 2-0 at home to Tonbridge Angels. Treyew Road, October 8: City 2 Basingstoke 5.
Written by Mike Truscott
18 March 2012
Lethargic City well beaten by the Angels
Written by Rhod Mitchell. Source: thisiscornwall
Tonbridge Angels 3 Truro City 0
City finished a well beaten side in Kent as they suffered their 17th league defeat of the season.
Buoyed by their crucial 2-1 midweek win over Boreham Wood, City were looking to build on that result as they continue their fight to get the points needed to end their relegation fears.
The only change from the team that beat Boreham Wood saw Scott Walker return in place of player-manager Lee Hodges, while Arran Pugh and Barry Hayles started on the bench after serving two match bans.
City did reasonably well in the opening half with their main threat coming from Andy Watkins on his 250th appearance.
But five minutes before the break the league's leading scorer Frannie Collin netted his 25th of the season after some ineffectual Truro tackling.
Six minutes into the second half Mikel Suarez made it 2-0 and there was no way back for a tired-looking City side.
On loan Plymouth Argyle youngster Isaac Vassell came on for his debut, with veteran Barry Hayles also making his return from the bench.
But in truth City rarely threatened a come back and four minutes from time Lee Browning made it 3-0 as the home side comfortably avenged their 2-0 defeat at Treyew Road back in November.
The only consolation for City was that other results at the bottom went their way so they are still seven points clear of the relegation places.
They are next in action at Basingtoke Town on Tuesday evening when manager Lee Hodges is expected to make some changes ahead of next Saturday's crucial home game against bottom club Thurrock.
He said: "In the second half we looked dead on our feet. There was just no energy whereas Tonbridge came out flying.
"We just could not reach the standards we did against Boreham Wood.
"It was bitterly disappointing to lose but I could not fault the players' efforts."
Tonbridge Angels 3 Truro City 0
City finished a well beaten side in Kent as they suffered their 17th league defeat of the season.
Buoyed by their crucial 2-1 midweek win over Boreham Wood, City were looking to build on that result as they continue their fight to get the points needed to end their relegation fears.
The only change from the team that beat Boreham Wood saw Scott Walker return in place of player-manager Lee Hodges, while Arran Pugh and Barry Hayles started on the bench after serving two match bans.
City did reasonably well in the opening half with their main threat coming from Andy Watkins on his 250th appearance.
But five minutes before the break the league's leading scorer Frannie Collin netted his 25th of the season after some ineffectual Truro tackling.
Six minutes into the second half Mikel Suarez made it 2-0 and there was no way back for a tired-looking City side.
On loan Plymouth Argyle youngster Isaac Vassell came on for his debut, with veteran Barry Hayles also making his return from the bench.
But in truth City rarely threatened a come back and four minutes from time Lee Browning made it 3-0 as the home side comfortably avenged their 2-0 defeat at Treyew Road back in November.
The only consolation for City was that other results at the bottom went their way so they are still seven points clear of the relegation places.
They are next in action at Basingtoke Town on Tuesday evening when manager Lee Hodges is expected to make some changes ahead of next Saturday's crucial home game against bottom club Thurrock.
He said: "In the second half we looked dead on our feet. There was just no energy whereas Tonbridge came out flying.
"We just could not reach the standards we did against Boreham Wood.
"It was bitterly disappointing to lose but I could not fault the players' efforts."
That'll be the day - an extended match report from aTonbridge fan
Source: Thatbetheday Blog Photos by Vicky Clark
Match 55/11/942 - Saturday, 17 March 2012 - Conference South
Tonbridge (1) 3 Collin 40 Suarez 50 Browning 85
Truro City (0) 0
Att. 639
Entrance: £6 Senior
Programme: £2.00
Mileage: 26/4,186
Match Report
That’ll be the Day usually focuses on my day at football, but because of the unique nature of this fixture, today this blog becomes That’ll be their Day. As Truro City’s supporters embarked on their 600 mile-plus round trip to Longmead for a first-ever time, Tonbridge fans had already made the reverse visit back in November when they descended on the Cornish town in numbers, many making a weekend of it. For them it carried a novelty factor, for the Truro travelling support today was no novelty, it happens every other week.
To put into perspective their geographical isolation, their local derby is against Weston-super-Mare, a round trip of over 200 miles. Next Saturday, Tonbridge visit Havant and Waterlooville, which is roughly an equivalent distance, could we imagine that fixture as local, I think not.
I met up with a group of Truro supporters in the George and Dragon before the game to talk with them about their experiences in this, as it is for Tonbridge, their first season in Blue Square South. My opening question was met with some laughter, though it was simple enough, how has your season been? Where do you want to start, the threat of liquidation, a transfer embargo, a date at the High Court, and some football thrown in for good measure, it has had it all, this was the reason for their laughter.
Not being a proper journalist, I explained that it was more the personal experiences that I was looking for, and to this Steve relates that it has been a blast. He recounted that every trip has been an experience, everywhere they have pitched up they have been treated with kindness and friendships have been forged along the way with tales of bangers and mash at Chelmsford and drinking the clubhouse dry at Welling. It is what football should be about, it is what non-league football is about.
Their stories might have been about famous victories and more than a few beers along the way, but sadly it is a season that will ultimately be clouded by a tragic accident. On the return journey from their encounter with Dover, a car carrying three Truro supporters was involved in an accident and one of the club’s most stalwart supporters, Gillian Alderman, lost her life. It was with tears welling in his eyes that Steve commented that the sadness put into perspective the wins and the losses, or the financial problems of the club, Truro City will always live to fight another day. The news that the other two people in the car, Bob Fagan and John Salisbury, who had left hospital in the week was at least reason to be cheerful.
JP’s day had started when they left Truro at 7 a.m. He and six others have negotiated a deal with a local car hire company whereby they hire a seven-seater car for just £50, a very friendly car hire company I would have to say! The seven of them throw £20 each into the kitty for the hire and the petrol and if there is any excess then it goes into a pot for the Truro Independent Supporters Association (TISA). In the wake of the financial problems, it might be that sometime in the future, TISA’s funds will be called upon and when I touched on Kevin Heaney’s chairmanship of the club, it was apparent that there is a divergence of opinion of the man.
From a completely outsider’s point of view collected from the many column inches that have been written about Truro’s plight and Heaney’s courtship with Plymouth Argyle, personally I would have felt a little betrayed by his pursuit of the League Two club. Steve gave a far more conciliatory viewpoint although his friend, JP appeared to differ.
Steve felt that Heaney always had Truro’s future at heart when he negotiated with the administrator for the purchase of Argyle. The rules of the Football League do not allow for one person to be in ownership of two clubs, even if one is outside of the Football League. It is Steve’s contention that their chairman never wanted to own the footballing side of the Plymouth Argyle, his intention was the purchase of Home Park and then to lease it back to the club, therefore earning money that could be put into the coffers of Truro City. It was a purely business interest, but once again from an outsider’s view, business deals of this nature in football are universally greeted with scepticism from the fans.
We touched on the envy, jealousy, call it what you will, that has followed Truro’s rise through the lower reaches of the football pyramid to their position within the Conference set up today. These Truro supporters readily accept that as it has been funded by a wealthy man that sort of animosity was inevitable and, to a degree, understandable. A point that was strongly made was that while rivals might point at expensive signings that have won Truro titles, Barry Hayles apart, a player that is on significant wages according to rumour, the team is entirely made up of West Country players. Once again their geographic isolation makes it difficult to recruit players from anywhere else.
Steve also made the remark that this season the fans have also had to make an adjustment and that was to losing football matches something they had not been used to in recent years. They had started the season with the same success as previous terms with three straight victories, two of which against clubs that have subsequently been part of the group chasing champions-elect Woking, Chelmsford City and Dover Athletic. Four straight defeats followed, leaving those fans staring at the reality that this season would probably be one of consolidation, and once the financial difficulties surfaced they were looking into a far greater abyss. Thankfully the tax man was ultimately paid off at the eleventh hour and whilst the transfer embargo remains in place, it appears that the club has stabilised. For us, as Tonbridge fans, consolidation in Blue Square South was always the ambition, but when you’ve had the success that Truro have had in recent years, it is understandable that JP’s expectations were much higher.
Travel and cash fatigue unfortunately cut Truro’s numbers at Longmead, but those that made the trip proved to be an enthusiastic bunch that loudly showed their support despite their side producing a tired looking performance. Their right back, Barry McConnell, perhaps summed up their travel weariness when having launched a clearance out of the ground answered a heckle with the comment, “Give us break mate, I’ve been up since five”!
The game itself proved to be a rather one-sided affair. Tonbridge’s recent good run of form has now lifted them to a lofty eighth place in the table, whilst the Truro supporters will be looking just a little anxiously over their shoulders sitting six points above the dreaded dotted line.
The home side dominated the first half albeit that it took most of it to find the opening goal. Rory Hill, who was a constant thorn in the side of the visitors, threaded a delightful pass through to Frannie Collin, and the Division’s leading goalscorer doesn’t pass up chances of this nature, slotting the ball past the Truro ‘keeper Oliver Chenoweth.
The goal bred confidence in the Tonbridge ranks and their passing became a delight to watch. After five minutes of the second half, one such move opened up another scoring attempt for Collin, whose goalbound effort was parried by Chenoweth but only into the path of Miguel Suarez who side-footed home from close range. With the game now completely in their control, the home side showed a level of performance that hasn’t been witnessed, at least by me, this season. A wonderful build up involving Chris Piper, Lee Browning and Hill opened up an opportunity for Nathan Korantheng who blasted inches over the top as Tonbridge threatened to run riot.
Barry Hayles, who, one has to say, looked as if he has enjoyed a few Cornish pasties in his time at Treyew Road and the towering Aaron Pugh, were introduced to rescue at least a consolation for the Truro faithful. The game was wrapped up five minutes from time when Browning and Collin interchanged passes before the former was left with a tap in for the third.
So the Cornishmen (and women) were left to trudge their way home, at least comforted by the knowledge that this would be their last journey this season to Kent and that their next trip to Staines is a mere 240-odd miles. Thanks to Steve and his wife, JP and Ivor for their indulgence in the George and Dragon, they have given me the impetus to make the trek to Cornwall next season to renew their acquaintance; perhaps I can persuade the wife to revisit the county of our honeymoon for a romantic weekend to Treyew Road!
Match 55/11/942 - Saturday, 17 March 2012 - Conference South
Tonbridge (1) 3 Collin 40 Suarez 50 Browning 85
Truro City (0) 0
Att. 639
Entrance: £6 Senior
Programme: £2.00
Mileage: 26/4,186
Match Report
That’ll be the Day usually focuses on my day at football, but because of the unique nature of this fixture, today this blog becomes That’ll be their Day. As Truro City’s supporters embarked on their 600 mile-plus round trip to Longmead for a first-ever time, Tonbridge fans had already made the reverse visit back in November when they descended on the Cornish town in numbers, many making a weekend of it. For them it carried a novelty factor, for the Truro travelling support today was no novelty, it happens every other week.
 |
| Dedicated TCFC fans at Tonbridge |
I met up with a group of Truro supporters in the George and Dragon before the game to talk with them about their experiences in this, as it is for Tonbridge, their first season in Blue Square South. My opening question was met with some laughter, though it was simple enough, how has your season been? Where do you want to start, the threat of liquidation, a transfer embargo, a date at the High Court, and some football thrown in for good measure, it has had it all, this was the reason for their laughter.
 |
| Steve Clark and Ivor |
Their stories might have been about famous victories and more than a few beers along the way, but sadly it is a season that will ultimately be clouded by a tragic accident. On the return journey from their encounter with Dover, a car carrying three Truro supporters was involved in an accident and one of the club’s most stalwart supporters, Gillian Alderman, lost her life. It was with tears welling in his eyes that Steve commented that the sadness put into perspective the wins and the losses, or the financial problems of the club, Truro City will always live to fight another day. The news that the other two people in the car, Bob Fagan and John Salisbury, who had left hospital in the week was at least reason to be cheerful.
JP’s day had started when they left Truro at 7 a.m. He and six others have negotiated a deal with a local car hire company whereby they hire a seven-seater car for just £50, a very friendly car hire company I would have to say! The seven of them throw £20 each into the kitty for the hire and the petrol and if there is any excess then it goes into a pot for the Truro Independent Supporters Association (TISA). In the wake of the financial problems, it might be that sometime in the future, TISA’s funds will be called upon and when I touched on Kevin Heaney’s chairmanship of the club, it was apparent that there is a divergence of opinion of the man.
From a completely outsider’s point of view collected from the many column inches that have been written about Truro’s plight and Heaney’s courtship with Plymouth Argyle, personally I would have felt a little betrayed by his pursuit of the League Two club. Steve gave a far more conciliatory viewpoint although his friend, JP appeared to differ.
Steve felt that Heaney always had Truro’s future at heart when he negotiated with the administrator for the purchase of Argyle. The rules of the Football League do not allow for one person to be in ownership of two clubs, even if one is outside of the Football League. It is Steve’s contention that their chairman never wanted to own the footballing side of the Plymouth Argyle, his intention was the purchase of Home Park and then to lease it back to the club, therefore earning money that could be put into the coffers of Truro City. It was a purely business interest, but once again from an outsider’s view, business deals of this nature in football are universally greeted with scepticism from the fans.
We touched on the envy, jealousy, call it what you will, that has followed Truro’s rise through the lower reaches of the football pyramid to their position within the Conference set up today. These Truro supporters readily accept that as it has been funded by a wealthy man that sort of animosity was inevitable and, to a degree, understandable. A point that was strongly made was that while rivals might point at expensive signings that have won Truro titles, Barry Hayles apart, a player that is on significant wages according to rumour, the team is entirely made up of West Country players. Once again their geographic isolation makes it difficult to recruit players from anywhere else.
Steve also made the remark that this season the fans have also had to make an adjustment and that was to losing football matches something they had not been used to in recent years. They had started the season with the same success as previous terms with three straight victories, two of which against clubs that have subsequently been part of the group chasing champions-elect Woking, Chelmsford City and Dover Athletic. Four straight defeats followed, leaving those fans staring at the reality that this season would probably be one of consolidation, and once the financial difficulties surfaced they were looking into a far greater abyss. Thankfully the tax man was ultimately paid off at the eleventh hour and whilst the transfer embargo remains in place, it appears that the club has stabilised. For us, as Tonbridge fans, consolidation in Blue Square South was always the ambition, but when you’ve had the success that Truro have had in recent years, it is understandable that JP’s expectations were much higher.
Travel and cash fatigue unfortunately cut Truro’s numbers at Longmead, but those that made the trip proved to be an enthusiastic bunch that loudly showed their support despite their side producing a tired looking performance. Their right back, Barry McConnell, perhaps summed up their travel weariness when having launched a clearance out of the ground answered a heckle with the comment, “Give us break mate, I’ve been up since five”!
The game itself proved to be a rather one-sided affair. Tonbridge’s recent good run of form has now lifted them to a lofty eighth place in the table, whilst the Truro supporters will be looking just a little anxiously over their shoulders sitting six points above the dreaded dotted line.
The home side dominated the first half albeit that it took most of it to find the opening goal. Rory Hill, who was a constant thorn in the side of the visitors, threaded a delightful pass through to Frannie Collin, and the Division’s leading goalscorer doesn’t pass up chances of this nature, slotting the ball past the Truro ‘keeper Oliver Chenoweth.
The goal bred confidence in the Tonbridge ranks and their passing became a delight to watch. After five minutes of the second half, one such move opened up another scoring attempt for Collin, whose goalbound effort was parried by Chenoweth but only into the path of Miguel Suarez who side-footed home from close range. With the game now completely in their control, the home side showed a level of performance that hasn’t been witnessed, at least by me, this season. A wonderful build up involving Chris Piper, Lee Browning and Hill opened up an opportunity for Nathan Korantheng who blasted inches over the top as Tonbridge threatened to run riot.
Barry Hayles, who, one has to say, looked as if he has enjoyed a few Cornish pasties in his time at Treyew Road and the towering Aaron Pugh, were introduced to rescue at least a consolation for the Truro faithful. The game was wrapped up five minutes from time when Browning and Collin interchanged passes before the former was left with a tap in for the third.
So the Cornishmen (and women) were left to trudge their way home, at least comforted by the knowledge that this would be their last journey this season to Kent and that their next trip to Staines is a mere 240-odd miles. Thanks to Steve and his wife, JP and Ivor for their indulgence in the George and Dragon, they have given me the impetus to make the trek to Cornwall next season to renew their acquaintance; perhaps I can persuade the wife to revisit the county of our honeymoon for a romantic weekend to Treyew Road!
16 March 2012
That's the City I know - Hodges
Source: Rhod Mitchell, thisiscornwall
Superb set of images of the Boreham Wood game here > RICHARD AUGARDE
TRURO City player-manager Lee Hodges at last had something to smile about as the Tigers went a long way to ensuring their place in Blue Square Bet South for next season with a crucial 2-1 win at home to Boreham Wood on Tuesday evening.
Goals by Marcus Martin and a classic second half strike by Stewart Yetton, gave City only their second win in 11 games in 2012 and was enough to take them seven points clear of the relegation places.
Speaking to the background of raucous cheers from the City supporters as he came off the pitch after playing a full 90 minutes, Hodges said: "That's the Truro City I know and came here for. The boys were on the front foot, getting tackles in and putting their bodies on the line.
"Before the game I didn't have to say much. They knew they let themselves down (at Hampton & Richmond on Saturday) and I am proud of each and every one of them tonight.
"We did really well as a team. We closed them down, put the ball in the right areas and I think we deserved the win.
"It was what we needed. Out of the last three or four games we deserved something, but did not get anything."
Hodges was also delighted with the contribution of City's man of the match Yetton. He said: "Stewart has been looking fit in training and he was disappointed that he did not start on Saturday. But he came in tonight and was brilliant and got us the winner."
Hodges knows however, that the job is still not done, with City probably needing a couple more wins at least from their remaining nine games to be sure of a second season of Step Two football.
He said: "Let's hopes it a turning point tonight, but there is still work to do."
He also praised the club's supporters for getting behind the side, saying: "I thought they were brilliant from the first to last minute and made lots of noise."
City now have two tough away games in the space of four days, with a trip to Tonbridge Angels on Saturday and a rearranged game at Basingstoke Town on Tuesday evening. But Arran Pugh and Barry Hayles are available after serving two match bans.
Superb set of images of the Boreham Wood game here > RICHARD AUGARDE
TRURO City player-manager Lee Hodges at last had something to smile about as the Tigers went a long way to ensuring their place in Blue Square Bet South for next season with a crucial 2-1 win at home to Boreham Wood on Tuesday evening.
Goals by Marcus Martin and a classic second half strike by Stewart Yetton, gave City only their second win in 11 games in 2012 and was enough to take them seven points clear of the relegation places.
Speaking to the background of raucous cheers from the City supporters as he came off the pitch after playing a full 90 minutes, Hodges said: "That's the Truro City I know and came here for. The boys were on the front foot, getting tackles in and putting their bodies on the line.
"Before the game I didn't have to say much. They knew they let themselves down (at Hampton & Richmond on Saturday) and I am proud of each and every one of them tonight.
"We did really well as a team. We closed them down, put the ball in the right areas and I think we deserved the win.
"It was what we needed. Out of the last three or four games we deserved something, but did not get anything."
Hodges was also delighted with the contribution of City's man of the match Yetton. He said: "Stewart has been looking fit in training and he was disappointed that he did not start on Saturday. But he came in tonight and was brilliant and got us the winner."
Hodges knows however, that the job is still not done, with City probably needing a couple more wins at least from their remaining nine games to be sure of a second season of Step Two football.
He said: "Let's hopes it a turning point tonight, but there is still work to do."
He also praised the club's supporters for getting behind the side, saying: "I thought they were brilliant from the first to last minute and made lots of noise."
City now have two tough away games in the space of four days, with a trip to Tonbridge Angels on Saturday and a rearranged game at Basingstoke Town on Tuesday evening. But Arran Pugh and Barry Hayles are available after serving two match bans.
15 March 2012
Ground Grading update
The FA Conference will be inspecting Treyew Road on March 23rd to confirm that the ground facilities comply with their regulations. Two key areas required attention: lack of adequate turnstiles and limited space in the Away team changing areas.
Chris Webb has been leading a small workforce of volunteers over the last two or three weeks to complete these works.
The Away changing room extension is now complete and was used for the first time for the Boreham Wood game. Six turnstiles are required at this level; four are now operational at the time of writing. The final two turnstiles will be in place by the 23rd and will be erected alongside the existing main double turnstile.
When the Ground Grading approval is issued, news will appear here.
Keyline Builders Merchants were kind enough to supply the materials free of charge.
Chris Webb has been leading a small workforce of volunteers over the last two or three weeks to complete these works.
The Away changing room extension is now complete and was used for the first time for the Boreham Wood game. Six turnstiles are required at this level; four are now operational at the time of writing. The final two turnstiles will be in place by the 23rd and will be erected alongside the existing main double turnstile.
When the Ground Grading approval is issued, news will appear here.
Keyline Builders Merchants were kind enough to supply the materials free of charge.
14 March 2012
Yetton's superb strike secures priceless win for City
Source: Rhod Mitchell
Truro City 2 Boreham Wood 1
CITY moved seven points clear of the Blue Square Bet South relegation zone with a crucial victory in the fog at Treyew Road on Tuesday evening.
An early header from Marcus Martin put City ahead, but the visitors quickly equalised through David Bryant and that was how it remained until half time.
But after the break Stewart Yetton, making his first start after three months out with injury, gave the home side the lead with a superb strike and they held on for only their second win in 2012 as they completed their first double of the season.
They will now be hoping to build on this much needed success when they travel to Tonbridge Angels on Saturday, boosted by the return after two match bans of Arran Pugh and Barry Hayles.
And they have also secured the services on loan of young Plymouth Argyle striker Isaac Vassell, though he can be recalled by the League 2 club at any time.
The 18-year-old from Newquay, who is the nephew of former Aston Villa, Manchester City and England striker Darius Vassell, has made eight appearances as a substitute for Argyle and was on the bench on Tuesday night, though he did not come on.
CITY: Chenoweth; McConnell, Ash (capt), Adams, Hodges; Cooke, Broad, Martin, Yetton, Afful (Walker 83), Watkins. Subs (not used): Vassell, Kelly.
BOREHAM WOOD: Putnins; Sankofa, Close, Garrard (capt), Reynolds, Beckles, Vilhete, Cox, Bryant (Jordan 83), Riza (Scott-Morris 83), Montgomery (Hutton 77). Subs (not used): Rubina, Dooland.
Goals: Martin (12) 1-0, Bryant (19) 1-1, Yetton (67) 2-1.
Crowd: 293.
Referee: Adam Hopkins (Plymouth).
Truro City 2 Boreham Wood 1
CITY moved seven points clear of the Blue Square Bet South relegation zone with a crucial victory in the fog at Treyew Road on Tuesday evening.
An early header from Marcus Martin put City ahead, but the visitors quickly equalised through David Bryant and that was how it remained until half time.
 |
| Terry at half time in the fog! |
But after the break Stewart Yetton, making his first start after three months out with injury, gave the home side the lead with a superb strike and they held on for only their second win in 2012 as they completed their first double of the season.
They will now be hoping to build on this much needed success when they travel to Tonbridge Angels on Saturday, boosted by the return after two match bans of Arran Pugh and Barry Hayles.
And they have also secured the services on loan of young Plymouth Argyle striker Isaac Vassell, though he can be recalled by the League 2 club at any time.
The 18-year-old from Newquay, who is the nephew of former Aston Villa, Manchester City and England striker Darius Vassell, has made eight appearances as a substitute for Argyle and was on the bench on Tuesday night, though he did not come on.
CITY: Chenoweth; McConnell, Ash (capt), Adams, Hodges; Cooke, Broad, Martin, Yetton, Afful (Walker 83), Watkins. Subs (not used): Vassell, Kelly.
BOREHAM WOOD: Putnins; Sankofa, Close, Garrard (capt), Reynolds, Beckles, Vilhete, Cox, Bryant (Jordan 83), Riza (Scott-Morris 83), Montgomery (Hutton 77). Subs (not used): Rubina, Dooland.
Goals: Martin (12) 1-0, Bryant (19) 1-1, Yetton (67) 2-1.
Crowd: 293.
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| Man of the Match Stewart Yetton with Steve Rogers after the match. |
13 March 2012
White Tigers borrow Vassell from Argyle
Source: Pitchero
Young striker Isaac Vassell has joined Blue Square Bet South club Truro City on `work experience` from npower LeagueTwo side Plymouth Argyle.
Young striker Isaac Vassell has joined Blue Square Bet South club Truro City on `work experience` from npower LeagueTwo side Plymouth Argyle.
The second year apprentice, who has made eight substitute appearances for the first-team so far this season, will be available for the White Tigers' league game against Boreham Wood tonight.
Newquay-born Vassell is a product of the Pilgrims' Cornish development centres and is a nephew of former Aston Villa, Manchester City and England striker Darius Vassell, currently with Leicester City.
He can be recalled from Treyew Road by Argyle at any time.
12 March 2012
City Alerts - Lee's view of the Hampton game
LEE'S VIEW on Hampton & Richmond 4 Truro City 3
"To lose this one was incredibly hard to take. When we went 3-2 ahead, and with Hampton down to ten men, it really felt as though this was it, the turning point for us. I just couldn't believe how we allowed them to come back and win.
"They hadn't scored a single 'good' goal, and the last one was awful. We had the ball in their penalty area, but we allowed their player to break away, run the length of the field, two of them against three of ours, and still we let him score.
"These boys are playing for their contracts for next season and at the moment a lot of them are touch and go as to whether or not they will be offered new ones. They have worked hard all season, but they can't carry on performing like this. They're going to have to do better and impress more in these last matches; otherwise I feel we will have to start afresh.
"Tomorrow's match at home to Boreham Wood is now even bigger than ever; it's absolutely massive. It is vitally important that we have as many supporters there as possible. Confidence is understandably low right now, and it's crucial that the fans get right behind us and really make themselves heard from the word go."
TEAM NEWS for tomorrow's home match against Boreham Wood, 7.45 pm: Barry Hayles and Arran Pugh both out, second and final matches of suspension. No new injuries.
BOREHAM WOOD: currently 13th in League, played 31, won 11, drawn 8, lost 12, goals for 41, against 46, points 41. Last three results - (Saturday) drew 2-2 at home to Dorchester, won 4-2 at Havant & Waterlooville, drew 1-1 at Tonbridge Angels. September 10: Boreham Wood 1 Truro City 2.
"To lose this one was incredibly hard to take. When we went 3-2 ahead, and with Hampton down to ten men, it really felt as though this was it, the turning point for us. I just couldn't believe how we allowed them to come back and win.
"They hadn't scored a single 'good' goal, and the last one was awful. We had the ball in their penalty area, but we allowed their player to break away, run the length of the field, two of them against three of ours, and still we let him score.
"These boys are playing for their contracts for next season and at the moment a lot of them are touch and go as to whether or not they will be offered new ones. They have worked hard all season, but they can't carry on performing like this. They're going to have to do better and impress more in these last matches; otherwise I feel we will have to start afresh.
"Tomorrow's match at home to Boreham Wood is now even bigger than ever; it's absolutely massive. It is vitally important that we have as many supporters there as possible. Confidence is understandably low right now, and it's crucial that the fans get right behind us and really make themselves heard from the word go."
TEAM NEWS for tomorrow's home match against Boreham Wood, 7.45 pm: Barry Hayles and Arran Pugh both out, second and final matches of suspension. No new injuries.
BOREHAM WOOD: currently 13th in League, played 31, won 11, drawn 8, lost 12, goals for 41, against 46, points 41. Last three results - (Saturday) drew 2-2 at home to Dorchester, won 4-2 at Havant & Waterlooville, drew 1-1 at Tonbridge Angels. September 10: Boreham Wood 1 Truro City 2.
11 March 2012
Next Fixture - Truro City v Boreham Wood. Tuesday 13th March 7.45 KO
The match this Tuesday evening is crucial to our survival. Lee Hodges and the team need every ounce of support they can get. Please make every effort to attend the game and get behind the team.
10 March 2012
A massive disappointment
Today's result is massively disappointing for the club. Searching for the first win since January 28th and desperate to make amends for the appalling display last week against Eastbourne, events looked to be going our way. For a few minutes anyway.
With Hampton down to ten men on 50 minutes and City 3 - 2 up, we looked to be back in the hunt. Once again though, we seem to leak goals quicker than the Titanic takes in water. We can score goals but we have to defend as well. Gifting needless goals is our greatest concern this season.
Regarding our nearest competitors at the wrong end of the table, Bromley nicked a point from Eastleigh, Eastbourne gained a point from Sutton and even Thurrock snatched a point from Weston.
On a positive note for us, Maidenhead, Havant and Staines all lost. The net result of the day's games mean we stay in 15th position but Bromley gain another point and edge closer.
Boreham Wood on Tuesday night suddenly becomes a huge test of confidence and a game of massive importance.
Steve Rogers.
With Hampton down to ten men on 50 minutes and City 3 - 2 up, we looked to be back in the hunt. Once again though, we seem to leak goals quicker than the Titanic takes in water. We can score goals but we have to defend as well. Gifting needless goals is our greatest concern this season.
Regarding our nearest competitors at the wrong end of the table, Bromley nicked a point from Eastleigh, Eastbourne gained a point from Sutton and even Thurrock snatched a point from Weston.
On a positive note for us, Maidenhead, Havant and Staines all lost. The net result of the day's games mean we stay in 15th position but Bromley gain another point and edge closer.
Boreham Wood on Tuesday night suddenly becomes a huge test of confidence and a game of massive importance.
Steve Rogers.
09 March 2012
Message from Andree Salisbury
John Salisbury is my father-in-law. My husband and I are also friends of Bob Fagan. Bob has asked me to extend his deep gratitude to you for your kindness in your tribute to Gillian.
John and Bob are now recovering in St.Austell Hospital and true to their love of the game and loyalty to the club, are focusing on getting well and attending again next season. They have a long road ahead considering their injuries and also coming to terms with the loss of Gillian.
This has been a harrowing experience indeed. Sincerely, Andree Salisbury.
John and Bob are now recovering in St.Austell Hospital and true to their love of the game and loyalty to the club, are focusing on getting well and attending again next season. They have a long road ahead considering their injuries and also coming to terms with the loss of Gillian.
This has been a harrowing experience indeed. Sincerely, Andree Salisbury.
06 March 2012
A step closer to survival tonight
As we enter the final quarter of a fascinating season, those at the top and bottom of the league take a keener interest in proceedings than most. Sadly, for one reason or another, we have dropped into the latter sector. For Truro City, this is new territory; this has not been in our thoughts for the last seven years at least. And its uncomfortable.
Going by the last eight games form guide, the situation is not exactly rosy. Of the 24 possible points available, we have taken just five, leaving us fourth from the bottom. And of course, this is just one position from survival. A closer look at the last eight form guide also reveals a change of fortunes. At the start of the season we were third in the league on Away performances, but right now, we are second from bottom.
Thus it seems, the strain of a long distance travelling, expectations on a small squad and comparative lack of fresh players is certainly taking its toll. Lee said last week "The boys looked dead on their feet; there was no life in us at all. I've asked for minor miracles from them, week in and week out and maybe this was the day it all caught up with them."
Six league games were played tonight, three of them directly affecting us. For once, all three results tonight have gone our way: Sutton beat Havant 2 - 0, Farnborough beat Eastbourne 1 - 0, and Bromley drew with Staines 1 - 1.
A stroke of luck in the fixtures means we have already played some top sides. And got the results. We now come face to face with our real rivals at the lower end of the table. As Lee said last week, we now have eleven cup finals to play. Lets hope we don't leave it to the last two games in Woking and Dartford.
The away trip this saturday at Hampton is a real six-pointer. Given Hampton's even more precarious position, they will be fighting for their own survival. Lee has given us miracles in the past and we will support him as best we can.
Here's to a rocky two month ride on the pitch.
Off the pitch, we are moving closer to the Ground Grading inspection at the end of this month. Chris Webb is leading the improvements with a team of volunteers. The required extension to the dressing room is near completion and the extra turnstiles have been purchased and will be in place in the next ten days. More to follow on this aspect later.
Steve Rogers.
Going by the last eight games form guide, the situation is not exactly rosy. Of the 24 possible points available, we have taken just five, leaving us fourth from the bottom. And of course, this is just one position from survival. A closer look at the last eight form guide also reveals a change of fortunes. At the start of the season we were third in the league on Away performances, but right now, we are second from bottom.
Thus it seems, the strain of a long distance travelling, expectations on a small squad and comparative lack of fresh players is certainly taking its toll. Lee said last week "The boys looked dead on their feet; there was no life in us at all. I've asked for minor miracles from them, week in and week out and maybe this was the day it all caught up with them."
Six league games were played tonight, three of them directly affecting us. For once, all three results tonight have gone our way: Sutton beat Havant 2 - 0, Farnborough beat Eastbourne 1 - 0, and Bromley drew with Staines 1 - 1.
A stroke of luck in the fixtures means we have already played some top sides. And got the results. We now come face to face with our real rivals at the lower end of the table. As Lee said last week, we now have eleven cup finals to play. Lets hope we don't leave it to the last two games in Woking and Dartford.
The away trip this saturday at Hampton is a real six-pointer. Given Hampton's even more precarious position, they will be fighting for their own survival. Lee has given us miracles in the past and we will support him as best we can.
Here's to a rocky two month ride on the pitch.
Off the pitch, we are moving closer to the Ground Grading inspection at the end of this month. Chris Webb is leading the improvements with a team of volunteers. The required extension to the dressing room is near completion and the extra turnstiles have been purchased and will be in place in the next ten days. More to follow on this aspect later.
Steve Rogers.
05 March 2012
Some images from the Eastbourne game
Images courtesy of Tisa reserve paparazzi JP.
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| Watford Mick and Tiger Tim |
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| Tea boys happy (before the game) |
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| Jake and Barry look disconsolate and exhausted |
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| Little to savour afterwards in Bunters |