Jake Ash returns to boost Truro City's bid for survival

Source: Western Morning News Sat 8th Nov.

Truro City player-manager Lee Hodges welcomes back talismanic skipper Jake Ash for today's Blue Square Bet South at top-five side Boreham Wood.

However, the 39-year City boss will undergo a pre-match fitness test in Hertfordshire before deciding who will partner fit-again Ash in central defence at Meadow Park.

In Ash's absence, Calrone Hall played alongside Hodges in Tuesday night's 3-0 home defeat by third-placed Dover Athletic at a rainswept Treyew Road.

Former Plymouth Argyle and Torquay United defender Hodges said: "It's going to be great getting Ashy back in action. You always miss your skipper and he is such an asset to the club, both as a player and the captain. He's one you can always rely on to give everything he has got for the cause.

"He blocked a shot in the win over Tonbridge last Saturday and hurt his foot. Try as he might he could not play against Dover the other night but he wants to give it a go already and that's the sort of player he is.

"You always miss someone of his ability and obviously we missed him the other night against Dover. That said, the result makes it look as though we didn't perform well – and nothing could be further from the truth.

"It was another one of those games where I came off the field patting the lads on the back and telling them I should be disappointed because we lost but that I couldn't be because they had performed so well. I guess the one area that I am looking to improve on is set pieces."

Hodges says he has discussed the matter with new assistant manager Martin Jones. The Truro boss said: "I said to Martin it is something we are going to need to look at, so we will be doing that as soon as we can – and after these next two away matches."

Truro are set to travel to Eastleigh on Tuesday night in the league. Meanwhile, Hodges will undergo a late fitness check before today's game.

He said: "I want to play, and am hoping I will be fine, but I want to ensure that I am fully fit. It will be my third game in a week and it's a long old coach journey up there in the morning. I just want to check that I am okay by having a little run-out before the match."

If Hodges passes fit, he will pair up with Ash in the centre of defence in the only switch from the side that played on Tuesday, if not Hall will retain his starting spot alongside the recalled skipper.

Truro City (from) McCormick; Hall, Ash, Hodges, Williams, Broad, Martin, Cooke, Afful, Watkins, Moore, Hopkinson, Carne, Watts.