Home form is key to survival says Hodges

By Rhod Mitchell West Briton

TRURO City return to Treyew Road for the first time for almost a month on Tuesday evening when Dover Athletic are the visitors.

And supporters should note that the game kicks off at the earlier than normal time of 7pm to fit in with the Kent side's travel arrangements as they are chartering a plane for the game.

The match should have been played back in October, but was postponed amidst the financial crisis which threatened to spell the end of the club.

Pivotal:

It is the first of two successive home games for City who have four matches at Treyew Road in December in what could be a pivotal month in the club's desperate battle to stay in Blue Square South.

After Tuesday's trip to Eastleigh was postponed because of a waterlogged pitch at the Silverlake Stadium, manager Lee Hodges was due to put his side through a "hard" training session this evening in preparation for the Dover game.

Again he will have to rely on the squad of 13, which was unlucky to come away from Eastbourne Borough on Saturday without anything to show for their efforts as they lost 1-0.

Ivybridge's Todd Hanrahan could also be involved, while Martin Watts will continue to be assessed as he makes his return from a long term injury.

Controversial keeper Luke McCormick continues in goal following the surprise departure last week of Tim Sandercombe.

Another familiar face on the Truro bench will also be missing, after popular first team coach Dave Newton decided to step down after the Eastbourne game to spend more time with his family.

His departure will leave a big gap in the City backroom staff but Hodges was hoping to get a replacement in time for training tonight.

And he paid tribute to the contribution of Newton, who was also a former City manager.
"To say I will miss Newts is a massive understatement. He is a very special coach and we had a special relationship. All the players respected him."

Hodges is looking forward to the Dover game and is just hoping his side gets the rub of the green and that their play gets its just rewards.

"It is nice to have a home match and we have got to make them count," he said.

"They are key if we are going to stay in this division.

"But Dover are a good team and we will have to be at our best if we are to get something from the match."

Rock bottom City are 13 points away from safety and it is crucial they start to pick up some points if their cause is not to become hopeless.

And a good result on Tuesday evening would be the perfect way to end another unsettling month.

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