Truro City 3 AFC Totton 2
At the eighth attempt, City earned their first home Calor League premier division victory of the season on a dramatic night at Treyew Road
Two goals by Liam Eddy and a headed winner from skipper Paul Kendall gave City a precious three points against their fellow strugglers, who they famously beat in the 2007 FA Vase final at Wembley.
The only negative was the late dismissal of midfielder Joe Broad, who played in that final, for kicking the ball away in stoppage time after having earlier been booked for a foul.
But that could not take away the relief for the home side in what was a real “six pointer”.
And they got off to a great start with Eddy latching onto Broad’s pass down the left after just two minutes and cleverly chipping Totton keeper Matt Fredericks to make it 1-0.
However, City were unable to build on that goal and gradually the Hampshire side started to get back into the game, with Ollie Chenoweth bravely denying Liam Triggs.
But the City keeper had no chance after 26 minutes when the home defence stood off, allowing George Branford to fire home a great drive into the top corner from 25 yards.
And the teams went in deadlocked at 1-1, but it was the visitors who started the second half the better and went ahead after 63 minutes when poor City defending from a corner allowed Jamel Branker to score from close range.
Lady Luck has not always been on City’s side this season, but it did shine on them 17 minutes from time when Fredericks allowed an Eddy shot to squirm under his body for a home equaliser.
And two minutes later City were in front with Kendall heading home Jamie Lowry’s right wing corner.
And it proved to be the winner though City lived dangerously at times with Chenoweth saving well from Roberts with Shane White then blocking the follow up effort.
And in stoppage time there was a huge home sigh of relief when substitute Taylor Edwards' lob went just wide with Chenoweth out of position after making a save.
Broad then saw red but it was no more than an irritant on what could prove to be a crucial turning point in City’s season as they moved up two places to 18th in the table.
CITY: Chenoweth; Tully, Kendall, Pugh, White, Cooke, Broad, Lowry, Brokenshire (Slateford 68), Afful, Eddy. Subs (not used): Sims, Evans, Copp, Watson.
Red card (two yellows): Broad (90+3).
AFC TOTTON: Fredericks; Onoufriou (capt), Triggs (House 79), McCarthy, Flooks, Hibberd, Branker, Brandford, Moth, Roberts, Mouland (Edwards 82). Subs (not used): Hurst, Ross, Hollick.
Yellow cards: Hibberd, Onoufriou.
Half time: 1-1.
Goals: Eddy (2) 1-0, Branford (26) 1-1, Branker (63 ) 1-2, Eddy (73) 2-2, Kendall (75) 3-2.
Referee: Andrew Bennetts (Okehampton).
Crowd: 295.
City man of match: Liam Eddy, the young striker took his tally to the season to six and is rapidly coming to terms with playing at this level.
30 October 2013
28 October 2013
A reply to a Truro City supporter from The Manager
Following a fair amount of disquiet in the social media towards Steve Massey and following requests from fans for an explanation of tactics immediately after the Cambridge game, Truro City Manager Steve Massey, replies to supporters' concerns.
His response is below (as detailed on the official TCFC site today):
"Dear xxxxxxx
I understand that you have some concerns about the direction the first team is taking. Although we have suffered some losses recently, we have also beaten Banbury who were 5th in the table, an excellent win, and put in some very good performances that quite frankly have deserved much more than the results have shown. In fact this last Saturday yet another manager (Gary Roberts, Cambridge) is astonished that we are where we are with performances we have been giving.
I realise that there was / is a need to introduce new, experienced players into the squad. Indeed over the last few weeks, that has been done, Our mission to date of giving the finest local talent the opportunity to compete and succeed at this level will continue. Liam Eddy, Ollie Brokenshire and Neil Slateford have come on extremely well during the last month and remember Captain Jake Ash is only where he is now by being given the opportunity when considered inexperienced. He is now considered one of the best footballers to wear the Truro shirt.
It takes a brave manager to give youngsters the chance. Some players will unfortunately fail, others will not, but they will be thankful for the opportunity. That’s where TCFC finds itself at the present time: balancing experience and new young talent/youth.
I would welcome the opportunity to chat this through with you in person, as I feel that a face-to face discussion will be more beneficial. I recommend an agenda that looks at management strategy, individual player skills and the season to date.
It might also be useful, for you and the players, for you to visit the dressing room. I am sure that to see their commitment will help, in part, to allay any fears you may have.
In the meantime I thank you for your continued and valued support of our great club.
I look forward to hearing from you regarding a suitable meeting time and venue.
Best regards
Steve Massey"
His response is below (as detailed on the official TCFC site today):
"Dear xxxxxxx
I understand that you have some concerns about the direction the first team is taking. Although we have suffered some losses recently, we have also beaten Banbury who were 5th in the table, an excellent win, and put in some very good performances that quite frankly have deserved much more than the results have shown. In fact this last Saturday yet another manager (Gary Roberts, Cambridge) is astonished that we are where we are with performances we have been giving.
I realise that there was / is a need to introduce new, experienced players into the squad. Indeed over the last few weeks, that has been done, Our mission to date of giving the finest local talent the opportunity to compete and succeed at this level will continue. Liam Eddy, Ollie Brokenshire and Neil Slateford have come on extremely well during the last month and remember Captain Jake Ash is only where he is now by being given the opportunity when considered inexperienced. He is now considered one of the best footballers to wear the Truro shirt.
It takes a brave manager to give youngsters the chance. Some players will unfortunately fail, others will not, but they will be thankful for the opportunity. That’s where TCFC finds itself at the present time: balancing experience and new young talent/youth.
I would welcome the opportunity to chat this through with you in person, as I feel that a face-to face discussion will be more beneficial. I recommend an agenda that looks at management strategy, individual player skills and the season to date.
It might also be useful, for you and the players, for you to visit the dressing room. I am sure that to see their commitment will help, in part, to allay any fears you may have.
In the meantime I thank you for your continued and valued support of our great club.
I look forward to hearing from you regarding a suitable meeting time and venue.
Best regards
Steve Massey"
Pitch update ahead of the Totton game
Truro City vs. AFC Totton tomorrow evening Pitch Update
Following a tremendous amount of work carried out on the pitch by Tich and Tom over the weekend and again today, it looks like “GAME ON” at Treyew Road tomorrow evening.
The decision was taken last week to leave the grass as long as possible within accepted tolerances to preserve cover in anticipation of the forecasted inclement weather. This has no doubt helped the current situation. Steve Massey inspected the pitch at midday and is more than happy with the pitch condition. A further precautionary inspection will take place at 10am tomorrow by the appointed Referee.
Cambridge match report by Rhod Mitchell
Truro City 0 Cambridge City 1
Truro’s search for their first home Calor League premier division win of the season goes on after they went down to fifth defeat in seven games at Treyew Road.
An early goal by Josh Dawkin was enough to give the visitors the win, which moved them up into fourth in the table.
City battled hard for an equaliser, but the ball just would not run for them in front of goal.
They probably deserved a point from the game, but the result leaves them fourth from bottom of the table ahead of Tuesday night’s massive home game against fellow strugglers AFC Totton.
And under pressure City boss Steve Massey after the game blasted a handful of “uneducated” supporters who had criticised him as he left the pitch.
“No one is more disappointed than me and the players,” he said.
“I thought we played really well against a top six side and showed what we are capable of.
“In the second half I honestly thought it was going to come.
“This is the time for everyone to stay strong. We all believe what we are doing. There is some thing very special in that dressing room and we will prove it in time.”
Truro began brightly enough, with Les Afful heading over from Liam Eddy’s right wing cross, while Cody Cooke brought a good save out of Enol Ordonez and Paul Kendall headed over.
But from their first meaningful attack after 11 minutes Cambridge went ahead when Dawkin beat Ollie Chenoweth with a rather scuffed shot into the bottom corner.
The goal knocked City out of their stride and Dawkin went close to a second, with Chenoweth denying top scorer Adam Marriott.
In the second half, with the wind at their backs, City had the lion’s share of the pressure.
Eddy shot into the side netting, while Cooke shot over from 12 yards with Ordonez denying both Afful and Eddy in hectic finale with Kendall heading wide of the far post at the death.
The visitors also had their chances as City left gaps at back, with Chenoweth denying Marriott and Will Lawton having a shot deflected just over.
But it was City who were left frustrated at the final whistle and will hope their luck in front of goal changes against AFC Totton.
Truro City: Chenoweth; Tully, Pugh, Kendall (capt), White (Sims 85); Lowry; Cooke (Slateford 77), Broad, Brokenshire (Evans 77); Afful, Eddy. Subs (not used): Copp, Watson.
Yellow cards: None
Cambridge City: Ordonez; Ramm, Brighton, Lawton, Chaffey (capt), Farrell, Lewis, Beech, Marriott, Beasant, Dawkin (Allen 64). Subs (not used): Prada, Pepper, Midgley.
Yellow cards: Lewis.
Half-time: 0-1.
Goals: Dawkin (11) 0-1.
Crowd: 350.
City man of the match: Steve Tully.
Referee: Andrew Quin (Plymouth).
Truro’s search for their first home Calor League premier division win of the season goes on after they went down to fifth defeat in seven games at Treyew Road.
An early goal by Josh Dawkin was enough to give the visitors the win, which moved them up into fourth in the table.
City battled hard for an equaliser, but the ball just would not run for them in front of goal.
They probably deserved a point from the game, but the result leaves them fourth from bottom of the table ahead of Tuesday night’s massive home game against fellow strugglers AFC Totton.
And under pressure City boss Steve Massey after the game blasted a handful of “uneducated” supporters who had criticised him as he left the pitch.
“No one is more disappointed than me and the players,” he said.
“I thought we played really well against a top six side and showed what we are capable of.
“In the second half I honestly thought it was going to come.
“This is the time for everyone to stay strong. We all believe what we are doing. There is some thing very special in that dressing room and we will prove it in time.”
Truro began brightly enough, with Les Afful heading over from Liam Eddy’s right wing cross, while Cody Cooke brought a good save out of Enol Ordonez and Paul Kendall headed over.
But from their first meaningful attack after 11 minutes Cambridge went ahead when Dawkin beat Ollie Chenoweth with a rather scuffed shot into the bottom corner.
The goal knocked City out of their stride and Dawkin went close to a second, with Chenoweth denying top scorer Adam Marriott.
In the second half, with the wind at their backs, City had the lion’s share of the pressure.
Eddy shot into the side netting, while Cooke shot over from 12 yards with Ordonez denying both Afful and Eddy in hectic finale with Kendall heading wide of the far post at the death.
The visitors also had their chances as City left gaps at back, with Chenoweth denying Marriott and Will Lawton having a shot deflected just over.
But it was City who were left frustrated at the final whistle and will hope their luck in front of goal changes against AFC Totton.
Truro City: Chenoweth; Tully, Pugh, Kendall (capt), White (Sims 85); Lowry; Cooke (Slateford 77), Broad, Brokenshire (Evans 77); Afful, Eddy. Subs (not used): Copp, Watson.
Yellow cards: None
Cambridge City: Ordonez; Ramm, Brighton, Lawton, Chaffey (capt), Farrell, Lewis, Beech, Marriott, Beasant, Dawkin (Allen 64). Subs (not used): Prada, Pepper, Midgley.
Yellow cards: Lewis.
Half-time: 0-1.
Goals: Dawkin (11) 0-1.
Crowd: 350.
City man of the match: Steve Tully.
Referee: Andrew Quin (Plymouth).
Cambridge City's match report
| Long distance City bring home the points Posted by Webmaster Oct 26, 2013, 17:13 |
Cambridge City returned from their 600 mile round trip with a well earned three points having overcome not only the opposition, but also a bobbly pitch and gale force wind.
Truro started the better with City forced to play on the break, however Cambridge City used that to their advantage on 12 mins with Josh Dawkin applying the finish to a flowing move. Dawkin went close on 25 mins and Adam Marriott went clean through 5 mins later but in trying a lob, provided the keeper with an easy stop. Truro had plenty of the ball but failed to seriously test Enol Ordonez in the City goal and the half almost ended on a high for City, but Marriott's goal was disallowed.
With the wind at their backs, Truro pressed City in the 2nd half with Will Lawton forced to make two great clearances. However, it was Cambridge City who looked most likely to score with Marriott spinning and shooting only to see his effort defelected wide. Lawton saw a header cleared off the line before City had Ordonez to thank for a fine double stop in injury time to secure the win.
City Line-up:
1. Enol Ordonez
2. Jackson Ramm
3. James Brighton
4. Will Lawton
5. Lee Chaffey (c)
6. Ben Farrell
7. Ieuan Lewis
8. Josh Beech
9. Adam Marriott
10. Nick Beasant
11. Josh Dawkin (goal 12)
Subs: 12.Luke Allen (11-65), 14.David Prada, 15.Tom Pepper, 16.Neil Midgley
Truro City: 1.Ollie Chenoweth, 2.Steve Tully, 3.Shane White, 4.Paul Kendall (c), 5.Aaron Pugh, 6.Joe Broad, 7.Cody Cooke, 8.Jamie Lowry, 9.Liam Eddy, 10.Olly Brokenshaw, 11.Les Afful
Subs 12.Neil Slateford (10-78), 14.Dan Evans (7-78), 15.Jordan Copp, 16.Ben Watson, 17.Jared Sims (3-85)
Referee: Andrew Quin (Plymouth)
Assistants: Ioan Ignat (Exeter) and Sean Rothwell (Plymouth)
Attendance: 350
LINK TO TCFC MATCH REPORT HERE
23 October 2013
Bridgwater Town claim cup scalp in dramatic shoot-out (Bridgwater Mercury)
BRIDGWATER Town booked their place in the next round of Red Insure Cup with a dramatic penalty shoot-out victory over Truro City at Fairfax Park last night (Tuesday October 22).
After a 3-3 draw in normal time, the tie went straight to penalties where the Robins triumphed 6-5.
The result is a big scalp for Bridgwater Town, with Truro City plying their trade in the Premier Division of the Calor League.
It's Town's second shoot-out victory of the season, having defeated Chalfont St Peter earlier in the season.
Richard Fey's side fell behind three times during the 90 minutes, only to fight back with goals from Alex Faux and two from Robbins.
Robbins then missed his side's first penalty, but Wilson, Osman, Bushin, Loxton and Miller all scored to secure a place in the next round.
After a 3-3 draw in normal time, the tie went straight to penalties where the Robins triumphed 6-5.
The result is a big scalp for Bridgwater Town, with Truro City plying their trade in the Premier Division of the Calor League.
It's Town's second shoot-out victory of the season, having defeated Chalfont St Peter earlier in the season.
Richard Fey's side fell behind three times during the 90 minutes, only to fight back with goals from Alex Faux and two from Robbins.
Robbins then missed his side's first penalty, but Wilson, Osman, Bushin, Loxton and Miller all scored to secure a place in the next round.
Truro City suffer Cup misery after penalty shoot out (by Rhod Mitchell, West Briton)
West Briton link here
Bridgwater Town 3 Truro City 3 (Bridgwater won 6-5 on pens).
City’s hopes of knock out cup success this season were ended when they lost this first round Red Insure Cup tie at Fairfax Park on penalties, after three times taking the lead.
It was another disappointing night for Steve Massey’s men, after having lost to another Division One South & West side Tiverton Town in the FA Trophy last Saturday.
Liam Eddy got them off to a good start with a goal after 14 minutes, but Alex Faux levelled for the Somerset side on the hour mark, before a good finish from Olly Brokenshire (36) gave City a deserved 2-1 interval lead.
After the break, City maintained their 2-1 advantage until 16 minutes from time, when Robbins levelled the scores after some awful Truro defending, but Eddy’s second goal of the night , a fine volley 11 minutes from time, following a cross by debutant Steve Tully, looked to have won the tie.
However, with just a minute of normal time left, Robbins netted his second direct from a free-kick to take the match straight to penalties. where the home side came out on top 6-5 after missing their first kick.
Cody Cooke and substitute Neil Slateford had their spot kicks saved for City, while Shane White, Les Afful, Steve Tully, Olly Brokenshire and Jamie Lowry were all successful.
City: Chenoweth; Tully, Kendall, Pugh, White; Lowry; Cooke, Brokenshire, Copp (Slateford 89); Eddy, Sims (Afful 70). Subs (not used); D Evans H Evans, Broad.
For full match report and reaction see this week's West Briton.
Bridgwater Town 3 Truro City 3 (Bridgwater won 6-5 on pens).
City’s hopes of knock out cup success this season were ended when they lost this first round Red Insure Cup tie at Fairfax Park on penalties, after three times taking the lead.
It was another disappointing night for Steve Massey’s men, after having lost to another Division One South & West side Tiverton Town in the FA Trophy last Saturday.
Liam Eddy got them off to a good start with a goal after 14 minutes, but Alex Faux levelled for the Somerset side on the hour mark, before a good finish from Olly Brokenshire (36) gave City a deserved 2-1 interval lead.
After the break, City maintained their 2-1 advantage until 16 minutes from time, when Robbins levelled the scores after some awful Truro defending, but Eddy’s second goal of the night , a fine volley 11 minutes from time, following a cross by debutant Steve Tully, looked to have won the tie.
However, with just a minute of normal time left, Robbins netted his second direct from a free-kick to take the match straight to penalties. where the home side came out on top 6-5 after missing their first kick.
Cody Cooke and substitute Neil Slateford had their spot kicks saved for City, while Shane White, Les Afful, Steve Tully, Olly Brokenshire and Jamie Lowry were all successful.
City: Chenoweth; Tully, Kendall, Pugh, White; Lowry; Cooke, Brokenshire, Copp (Slateford 89); Eddy, Sims (Afful 70). Subs (not used); D Evans H Evans, Broad.
For full match report and reaction see this week's West Briton.
22 October 2013
Martin Fey: "Truro game is 'another good test' (Bridgwater Mercury)
BRIDGWATER Town manager Richard Fey is expecting another tough game when his side take on Truro City in the Red Insure Cup tonight (October 22) at Fairfax Park.
Truro ply their trade in the Premier Division of the Calor League - the same division as Weymouth, who knocked the Robins out of the FA trophy last Saturday (October 19).
Fey believes tonight's fixture will be another good test for his players, who have faced higher opposition three times in the last month. He said:
"We're expecting a tough game tonight against higher opposition. Truro are a big club like Bath and Weymouth, but we're at full strength and playing at home.
"They have players with Football League experience, so it will be another good test for our lads."
Kick-off is at 7.45pm at Fairfax Park, with tickets priced at £8 for adults and £6 for seniors, while juniors go free.
Truro ply their trade in the Premier Division of the Calor League - the same division as Weymouth, who knocked the Robins out of the FA trophy last Saturday (October 19).
Fey believes tonight's fixture will be another good test for his players, who have faced higher opposition three times in the last month. He said:
"They have players with Football League experience, so it will be another good test for our lads."
Kick-off is at 7.45pm at Fairfax Park, with tickets priced at £8 for adults and £6 for seniors, while juniors go free.
20 October 2013
Ricky Prosser is remembered
A former president of Truro City Football Club has died at 4am on Saturday 12th October after losing his fight with liver cancer.
Mr Ricky Prosser was president of Truro City football club in the late 1970's and held the position until the club went into administration last year.
Below are some kind words from David Rowarth, a Truro City fan and friend of Ricky's.
Mr Ricky Prosser was president of Truro City football club in the late 1970's and held the position until the club went into administration last year.
Below are some kind words from David Rowarth, a Truro City fan and friend of Ricky's.
"Just a few words about a very special man. I got to know Ricky very well, mainly because we both shared the love of two special football teams: TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR and TRURO CITY.
I had the pleasure of enjoying Ricky's company on his home patch, at Tottenham and
spent many hour's socialising with him and his friends in pubs and clubs and of course at White Hart Lane. He would always get us tickets for Spurs games, none more so than the 1986-87 Semi-final at Villa Park against Watford.
Four of us spent days trying to acquire tickets for this game. Then a week before the game, we were drinking in the Truro City Clubhouse and the steward Peter Heayn, told us that he had been in touch with Ricky and he has got us four tickets for the Semi-final.
All we had to do was be at the main gates of Villa Park at 13:00 0n the day of the match.
Well we got there well ahead of schedule. Right on cue, at 13:00, we saw Ricky come out of the Main Stand doors of Villa Park and walk towards us. He asked the stewards at the main gate to let us through because we were with him. They reluctently agreed!
We gave him our money for the tickets and thanked him. He said it was not a problem and if we hung around, the Spurs team bus would be arriving soon. After five minutes, blue flashing lights and a police escort arrived with the Spurs Team Bus driving past us.
It stopped about 50 yards away. The doors opened and the players began to get off. Ricky shouted at Glenn Hoddle, Ray Clements, Ossie Ardilles, Paul Allen and Steve Hodge to come over and see his friends from Cornwall. We shook hands and chatted briefly with these superstars.
Still in shock we went to the game and saw The Spurs win 4-0.
A day that I have never forgotten and it was all down to Ricky Prosser.
I will never forget this special person and such kind generosity.
You will be sadly missed, my friend."
Dave Rowarth.
A one-minute silence will be held before the Cambridge game on Saturday 26th October in memory of Mr Prosser.
Trophy hopes ended by stoppage time goal, by Rhod Mitchell, West Briton
West Briton Link
Tiverton Town 3 Truro City 2
CITY crashed out of the FA Trophy when they conceded a stoppage time goal at Ladysmead, after the tie looked to be heading for a Tuesday night replay.
Sloppy City defence in the the third minute of added time allowed Tiverton substitute Sam Malsom to slide home the winner, much to the delight of the home fans.
It was a heartbreaking end for City, who had come back from 1-0 down at half time to lead 2-1 with goals from Arran Pugh and Neil Slateford, before a Paul Kendall own goal against his former club, levelled the scores.
And City boss Steve Massey admitted the defeat was a "kick in the stomach" and a game his side should never have lost.
City were up against a Tiverton side with a healthy sprinkling of former players, including Marcus Martin who skippered the home team and gave a man of the match performance, including an obligatory booking.
It took the home side only six minutes to take the lead, with former City striker Matt Wright given far too much space to head home from close range a cross from the right by Josh Concanen.
And the sluggish visitors were lucky not to go further behind, with Wright heading over from a free kick and Max Kowal just unable to get a touch to a cross from the left.
City were second best for much of the half, with Ben Watson having a shot deflected over, the closest they came to a goal.
However, after the break City were much improved and quickly drew level when the unwell Pugh, headed home after an Olly Brokenshire corner was headed back to him.
And with ten minutes left City went ahead when a speculative cross from the right by Neil Slateford found the far corner of Jonathan Viscosi's net.
But this just seemed to spark the home side into life and within two minutes they were level, when Kendall could only divert a Kowal cross from the right into his own net.
In a frantic finish, Les Afful shot just wide, while at the other end substitute Lewis Morgan rattled the City bar.
However, it was Tivvy who had the last and decisive word against a City side who have yet to learn the knack of closing out games.
Massey confirmed after the game that City had signed former Exeter City defender Steve Tully and that he would make his debut at Bridgwater on Tuesday evening in the Red Insure Cup.
TIVERTON: Viscosi; Heveran, Long, Martin (capt), Villis, Gardner, Krac, Smith, Kowal (Rudge 90+ 3), Wright (Morgan 70) Concanen (Malsom 61). Subs not used: Emat-Emat, Searle,
Yellow cards: Martin, Villis.
CITY : Chenoweth; Cooke, White, Kendall (Capt), Pugh (Eddy 77), Evans, Slateford, Lowry, Watson (Sims 82), Brokenshire, Afful.
Subs not used: Copp, Broad.
Yellow cards: Lowry, Brokenshire.
Goals: Wright (6) 1-0, Pugh (51) 1-1, Slateford (80) 1-2, Kendall (og 82) 2-2), Malsom (90+ 3) 3-2.
Referee: Mr Greenwood.
Crowd : 312.
Tiverton Town 3 Truro City 2
CITY crashed out of the FA Trophy when they conceded a stoppage time goal at Ladysmead, after the tie looked to be heading for a Tuesday night replay.
Sloppy City defence in the the third minute of added time allowed Tiverton substitute Sam Malsom to slide home the winner, much to the delight of the home fans.
It was a heartbreaking end for City, who had come back from 1-0 down at half time to lead 2-1 with goals from Arran Pugh and Neil Slateford, before a Paul Kendall own goal against his former club, levelled the scores.
And City boss Steve Massey admitted the defeat was a "kick in the stomach" and a game his side should never have lost.
City were up against a Tiverton side with a healthy sprinkling of former players, including Marcus Martin who skippered the home team and gave a man of the match performance, including an obligatory booking.
It took the home side only six minutes to take the lead, with former City striker Matt Wright given far too much space to head home from close range a cross from the right by Josh Concanen.
And the sluggish visitors were lucky not to go further behind, with Wright heading over from a free kick and Max Kowal just unable to get a touch to a cross from the left.
City were second best for much of the half, with Ben Watson having a shot deflected over, the closest they came to a goal.
However, after the break City were much improved and quickly drew level when the unwell Pugh, headed home after an Olly Brokenshire corner was headed back to him.
And with ten minutes left City went ahead when a speculative cross from the right by Neil Slateford found the far corner of Jonathan Viscosi's net.
But this just seemed to spark the home side into life and within two minutes they were level, when Kendall could only divert a Kowal cross from the right into his own net.
In a frantic finish, Les Afful shot just wide, while at the other end substitute Lewis Morgan rattled the City bar.
However, it was Tivvy who had the last and decisive word against a City side who have yet to learn the knack of closing out games.
Massey confirmed after the game that City had signed former Exeter City defender Steve Tully and that he would make his debut at Bridgwater on Tuesday evening in the Red Insure Cup.
TIVERTON: Viscosi; Heveran, Long, Martin (capt), Villis, Gardner, Krac, Smith, Kowal (Rudge 90+ 3), Wright (Morgan 70) Concanen (Malsom 61). Subs not used: Emat-Emat, Searle,
Yellow cards: Martin, Villis.
CITY : Chenoweth; Cooke, White, Kendall (Capt), Pugh (Eddy 77), Evans, Slateford, Lowry, Watson (Sims 82), Brokenshire, Afful.
Subs not used: Copp, Broad.
Yellow cards: Lowry, Brokenshire.
Goals: Wright (6) 1-0, Pugh (51) 1-1, Slateford (80) 1-2, Kendall (og 82) 2-2), Malsom (90+ 3) 3-2.
Referee: Mr Greenwood.
Crowd : 312.
17 October 2013
Fans and club united after forum success (by Lee Hall of the West Briton)
West Briton link
'WE'RE all in this together'.
That was the message from Truro City chairman Peter Masters when he met supporters at a fans' forum at Treyew Road on Tuesday night.
Masters chaired the open meeting, where he was joined by vice chairman Philip Perryman, manager Steve Massey, and coaches Glynn Hooper, Graeme Kirkup and Deba Sidhu.
On the whole, supporters were very happy with what they heard in an open a frank discussion, as a number of issues were raised during the course of the evening.
Masters began by telling fans that the move from Treyew Road was 'inevitable', but with discussions ongoing, there were no guarantees when that might be. He was vociferous, though, in stating the club would only leave 'if the deal was right' and again threw his support behind the 'Stadium for Cornwall' campaign.
Masters was equally passionate when it came to supporting his manager, who has been under pressure in recent weeks after a poor run of results.
But Masters, who was among the 60+ visiting fans who watched City end their five-match losing streak at Banbury on Saturday (match report page 116), has vowed to stick by the manager.
He said: "There has been pressure on Steve, but we are on a journey together and we will finish it."
Massey was also asked about the role of striker Liam Eddy, who came off the bench to score the winning goal on Saturday.
The City boss, who has used Eddy seven times from the bench this season, insists the player has a big future at the club.
He said: "Liam has come up from four steps below. That's like one of our players going up to play in League Two for Exeter or Plymouth.
"His goal on Saturday summed up the potential he has. He has pace, power and he can finish.
"It does take time, the pace of the game is quicker, but he is learning all the time.
Impact:
"He has been much better coming off the bench as an impact player. I don't see him as that sort of player in the long term, but for now he's learning his trade.
"Ben Watson has been with us two or three games and Liam is already learning from him.
"He is going to be a great star for this football club."
Supporters were also keen to know more about the club's transfer policies, and as he was throughout the evening, Masters was frank and honest.
He said: "Steve has been very careful with who we have under contract, and he's not threw money at it.
"We have a good budget, but if Steve wants to make another signing we would have to move a player out."
Massey confirmed that former Exeter City full-back Steve Tully remains a target, but discussions are ongoing.
At the end of the meeting a minute's silence was observed in memory of the club's former president Ricky Prosser, who died at the weekend (full story on page 116).
Speaking to West Briton Sport after the forum, Massey felt the forum was a big success.
He said: "I thought it was a really positive evening. People who wanted to have a say had a say, which is what it's all about.
"It was nice to put our point of view across as well because some people might not have been aware of the full facts."
Massey turns his attention to the FA Trophy this weekend as City travel to Tiverton Town, who are managed by former Porthleven boss John Clarkson.
'WE'RE all in this together'.
That was the message from Truro City chairman Peter Masters when he met supporters at a fans' forum at Treyew Road on Tuesday night.
Masters chaired the open meeting, where he was joined by vice chairman Philip Perryman, manager Steve Massey, and coaches Glynn Hooper, Graeme Kirkup and Deba Sidhu.
On the whole, supporters were very happy with what they heard in an open a frank discussion, as a number of issues were raised during the course of the evening.
Masters began by telling fans that the move from Treyew Road was 'inevitable', but with discussions ongoing, there were no guarantees when that might be. He was vociferous, though, in stating the club would only leave 'if the deal was right' and again threw his support behind the 'Stadium for Cornwall' campaign.
Masters was equally passionate when it came to supporting his manager, who has been under pressure in recent weeks after a poor run of results.
But Masters, who was among the 60+ visiting fans who watched City end their five-match losing streak at Banbury on Saturday (match report page 116), has vowed to stick by the manager.
He said: "There has been pressure on Steve, but we are on a journey together and we will finish it."
Massey was also asked about the role of striker Liam Eddy, who came off the bench to score the winning goal on Saturday.
The City boss, who has used Eddy seven times from the bench this season, insists the player has a big future at the club.
He said: "Liam has come up from four steps below. That's like one of our players going up to play in League Two for Exeter or Plymouth.
"His goal on Saturday summed up the potential he has. He has pace, power and he can finish.
"It does take time, the pace of the game is quicker, but he is learning all the time.
Impact:
"He has been much better coming off the bench as an impact player. I don't see him as that sort of player in the long term, but for now he's learning his trade.
"Ben Watson has been with us two or three games and Liam is already learning from him.
"He is going to be a great star for this football club."
Supporters were also keen to know more about the club's transfer policies, and as he was throughout the evening, Masters was frank and honest.
He said: "Steve has been very careful with who we have under contract, and he's not threw money at it.
"We have a good budget, but if Steve wants to make another signing we would have to move a player out."
Massey confirmed that former Exeter City full-back Steve Tully remains a target, but discussions are ongoing.
At the end of the meeting a minute's silence was observed in memory of the club's former president Ricky Prosser, who died at the weekend (full story on page 116).
Speaking to West Briton Sport after the forum, Massey felt the forum was a big success.
He said: "I thought it was a really positive evening. People who wanted to have a say had a say, which is what it's all about.
"It was nice to put our point of view across as well because some people might not have been aware of the full facts."
Massey turns his attention to the FA Trophy this weekend as City travel to Tiverton Town, who are managed by former Porthleven boss John Clarkson.
13 October 2013
Banbury 1 Truro City 2 - Banbury Match Report by David Shadbolt
Summary: "United go in front just before the hour mark through a Kynan Isaac goal but two goals in the last quarter of an hour give the Cornish side all three points. "
United gave debuts to two players who signed for the club within the previous 24 hours. Playing in the centre of midfield was ex Tottenham Hotspur trainee Takura Mtandari whilst wide midfield was Nathan Mukuna who started his career at Southend United before playing for Interwood and Waltham Forest.
The first half was very much a “non-event”. It was an equal affair with both sides working hard and looking positive but both struggled to create decent chances, both goalkeepers having little to do except deal with routine crosses and pass backs, certainly neither had a to make any saves of note.
There was just the one notable opportunity for Banbury just before the interval when Adeyinka Talabi broke clear but his lob over Ollie Chenoweth went well wide of the far post.
The second half saw Truro start much the better of the two sides and they put Banbury under some pressure. Aaran Pugh headed a left wing cross from Jordan Copp over in the 49th minute when he should have done better. The Cornish side were looking the more likely to score and they created a couple opportunities to shoot from long range but at this point shooting boots appeared to have been left in Cornwall as they were well off target.
However, rather against the run of play, it would be Banbury who would go in front in the 57th minute when Kynan Isaac got onto the end of a long ball down the left hand side of the field from Banbury goalkeeper Leigh Bedwell and through on goal he struck the ball with some aplomb into far the corner of the net past a helpless Ollie Chenoweth.
Truro fought back well though and always looked dangerous, equalising on 78 minutes when Neil Slateford got on to the end of a Ben Watson pass, took control of the ball and then fired it home from twelve yards.
Having equalised, Truro would dominate the remainder of the game and it was no surprise when the winner came three minutes from time when Liam Eddy took the ball into the penalty area on the right before unleashing a shot from a narrow angle into the far corner of the net.
Two minutes later, Banbury could have equalised when they were awarded a free kick on the left. The ball was pumped to the far post where Tanasheh Abrahams got his head to it but it went just over the bar.
Over the 90 minutes Banbury cannot complain about the outcome. The first half was even but Truro looked the better side in the second period and to their credit, being on such a bad run of results and conceding first to Banbury one might have expected some heads to drop but that was far from the case and overall it was a deserved win for the Cornish side.
Banbury United: Leigh Bedwell, Luke Cray, Marvin Martin, Aaron Morgan, John Mbamarah, Tom Ryan, Dom Lawless, Takura Mtandari, Leon Simpson (Adeyinka Talabi 14), Kynan Isaac, Nathan Mukuna (Tanasheh Abrahams 60). Subs (not used): Ashley Dumbleton, Kyal McNulty, Kyle Fraser-Allen.
Truro City: Ollie Chenoweth, Cody Cooke, Shane White, Paul Kendall, Aaran Pugh, Joe Broad (Olly Brokenshire 74), Les Afful, Jamie Lowry, Ben Watson, Matt Andrew (Neil Slateford 42), Jordan Copp (Liam Eddy 60). Subs (not used): Dan Evans, Jared Sims.
Attendance: 350
The first half was very much a “non-event”. It was an equal affair with both sides working hard and looking positive but both struggled to create decent chances, both goalkeepers having little to do except deal with routine crosses and pass backs, certainly neither had a to make any saves of note.
There was just the one notable opportunity for Banbury just before the interval when Adeyinka Talabi broke clear but his lob over Ollie Chenoweth went well wide of the far post.
The second half saw Truro start much the better of the two sides and they put Banbury under some pressure. Aaran Pugh headed a left wing cross from Jordan Copp over in the 49th minute when he should have done better. The Cornish side were looking the more likely to score and they created a couple opportunities to shoot from long range but at this point shooting boots appeared to have been left in Cornwall as they were well off target.
However, rather against the run of play, it would be Banbury who would go in front in the 57th minute when Kynan Isaac got onto the end of a long ball down the left hand side of the field from Banbury goalkeeper Leigh Bedwell and through on goal he struck the ball with some aplomb into far the corner of the net past a helpless Ollie Chenoweth.
Truro fought back well though and always looked dangerous, equalising on 78 minutes when Neil Slateford got on to the end of a Ben Watson pass, took control of the ball and then fired it home from twelve yards.
Having equalised, Truro would dominate the remainder of the game and it was no surprise when the winner came three minutes from time when Liam Eddy took the ball into the penalty area on the right before unleashing a shot from a narrow angle into the far corner of the net.
Two minutes later, Banbury could have equalised when they were awarded a free kick on the left. The ball was pumped to the far post where Tanasheh Abrahams got his head to it but it went just over the bar.
Over the 90 minutes Banbury cannot complain about the outcome. The first half was even but Truro looked the better side in the second period and to their credit, being on such a bad run of results and conceding first to Banbury one might have expected some heads to drop but that was far from the case and overall it was a deserved win for the Cornish side.
Banbury United: Leigh Bedwell, Luke Cray, Marvin Martin, Aaron Morgan, John Mbamarah, Tom Ryan, Dom Lawless, Takura Mtandari, Leon Simpson (Adeyinka Talabi 14), Kynan Isaac, Nathan Mukuna (Tanasheh Abrahams 60). Subs (not used): Ashley Dumbleton, Kyal McNulty, Kyle Fraser-Allen.
Truro City: Ollie Chenoweth, Cody Cooke, Shane White, Paul Kendall, Aaran Pugh, Joe Broad (Olly Brokenshire 74), Les Afful, Jamie Lowry, Ben Watson, Matt Andrew (Neil Slateford 42), Jordan Copp (Liam Eddy 60). Subs (not used): Dan Evans, Jared Sims.
Attendance: 350
Super subs help Truro to much-needed victory by Lee Hall, West Briton
Banbury United 1, Truro City 2
Goals from substitutes Neil Slateford and Liam Eddy eased the pressure on manager Steve Massey as Truro City fought from behind to claim a much-needed Southern League victory at the Spencer Stadium on Saturday.
After five straight defeats in all competitions, City looked to be heading for number six, until the introduction of Slateford and Eddy.
Kynan Isaac had given Banbury a 57th minute lead when he latched on to a long ball forward before unleashing a volley past City goalkeeper Ollie Chenoweth.
But after a good spell of pressure from the visitors, City deservedly drew level through substitute Slateford in the 78th minute.
And it got even better for Truro when, with the game in injury time, Eddy produced a brilliant solo effort to snatch the points for Massey’s men.
Att: 350.
Goals from substitutes Neil Slateford and Liam Eddy eased the pressure on manager Steve Massey as Truro City fought from behind to claim a much-needed Southern League victory at the Spencer Stadium on Saturday.
After five straight defeats in all competitions, City looked to be heading for number six, until the introduction of Slateford and Eddy.
Kynan Isaac had given Banbury a 57th minute lead when he latched on to a long ball forward before unleashing a volley past City goalkeeper Ollie Chenoweth.
But after a good spell of pressure from the visitors, City deservedly drew level through substitute Slateford in the 78th minute.
And it got even better for Truro when, with the game in injury time, Eddy produced a brilliant solo effort to snatch the points for Massey’s men.
Att: 350.
11 October 2013
Question & Answer Session with Manager Steve Massey and Support Team
I am pleased to announce that both Philip and I have arranged a two hour (max) question and answer session with our manager Steve Massey and First Team Members this coming Tuesday 15th October 2013 at the Club House Treyew Road between 6pm > 8pm.
The purpose of the meeting is to answer any concerns or suggestions that Supporters may have on issues both on and off the pitch and to let Steve and his team explain the reasons behind the recent form and more importantly what is being done to correct matters.
The Club House and Bar will be open at 5pm whereby all drinks will be charged at £2. The Q&A session will commence at 6pm sharp followed by both the Truro City vs. St Dennis Second Team Match on the Pitch and the England vs. Poland vital qualifier game screened in the Club House. Please note all entries after 6pm will be through the turnstiles only.
I look forward to seeing you all there for what promises to be an informative and I am sure productive evening to advance the Club’s ambitions along with a win by Truro City second team and England!
Peter Masters
Chairman
Please note if you want to table a question and cannot attend please email me petermasters@trurocityfc.net
10 October 2013
Truro move for former Exeter defender Steve Tully
Truro City manager Steve Massey has confirmed he is close to making further additions to his squad as he bids to halt the club's slide down the Southern League table.
City's losing streak in all competitions was extended to five games after Tuesday night's 2-0 defeat to Poole Town.
But despite being encouraged by the response of his players, who produced a much improved display after Saturday's 7-3 defeat at home to St Albans City, Massey is keen to add more experience to his squad.
He revealed after Tuesday's game that a full-back is his priority and West Briton Sport understands City are interested in bringing 33-year-old former Exeter City defender Steve Tully to Treyew Road.
After being released by the Grecians during the summer, Paignton-born Tully signed for John Clarkson's Tiverton.
The ex Torquay defender, who has made more than 300 Football League appearances, has more recently been playing for Galmpton United in division one east of the South West Peninsula League.
Massey said: "I'm hoping to bring a new player in for Saturday. We've been playing with square pegs in round holes in a couple of areas.
"We've been asking boys to do a job that's not their position. I'm talking about full-backs.
"There will hopefully be at least one in and maybe another one in next week."
Despite Truro's dreadful run of recent form, Massey insists the club is making progress and he is confident their fortunes will soon improve.
He said: "If people out there think it's hard, it's not. I am very motivated and with the team developing I'm actually quite excited about what is going to be happening in the future."
Massey has also confirmed the door remains open for striker Mark Goldsworthy to prove himself at the club.
Goldsworthy was at Treyew Road on Saturday, before leaving the ground shortly before kick-off after learning he wasn't included in the squad.
Goldsworthy then travelled to St Dennis and came on as a substitute for Helston in the second half, scoring in the Blues' 6-1 win.
Source: www.thisiscornwall.co.uk
Steve Tully Factsheet:
Stephen Richard Tully (born 10 February 1980) is an English footballer, who currently plays for Tiverton Town. He was born in Paignton, Devon.
He began his career as a fullback with his local side Torquay United, turning professional in August 1997 and making his league debut in a 0-0 draw away to Barnet on 18 November that year. He went on to make over 160 appearances for the Gulls before being released at the end of the 2001–02 season.
He joined non-league side Weymouth in August 2002, quickly establishing himself in the side and winning the awards for Player of the Year and Away Player of the Season in 2003–2004. He lost his place in the side after the appointment of Steve Johnson as manager and asked for a transfer in January 2005.
Although he later withdrew this request, he was allowed to join Exeter City in February 2005.
However, he returned to Weymouth in May that year as new manager Garry Hill's first summer signing on a two-year deal. He returned to Exeter in January 2007 and was a regular in the side that made the play-off final at the end of that season, scoring the winning penalty in the semi-final against Oxford United. On the 2nd of July 2013 Tully was released by Exeter City. Tully is also manager of the Exeter City FC Ladies team having great success.
City's losing streak in all competitions was extended to five games after Tuesday night's 2-0 defeat to Poole Town.
But despite being encouraged by the response of his players, who produced a much improved display after Saturday's 7-3 defeat at home to St Albans City, Massey is keen to add more experience to his squad.
He revealed after Tuesday's game that a full-back is his priority and West Briton Sport understands City are interested in bringing 33-year-old former Exeter City defender Steve Tully to Treyew Road.
After being released by the Grecians during the summer, Paignton-born Tully signed for John Clarkson's Tiverton.
The ex Torquay defender, who has made more than 300 Football League appearances, has more recently been playing for Galmpton United in division one east of the South West Peninsula League.
Massey said: "I'm hoping to bring a new player in for Saturday. We've been playing with square pegs in round holes in a couple of areas.
"We've been asking boys to do a job that's not their position. I'm talking about full-backs.
"There will hopefully be at least one in and maybe another one in next week."
Despite Truro's dreadful run of recent form, Massey insists the club is making progress and he is confident their fortunes will soon improve.
He said: "If people out there think it's hard, it's not. I am very motivated and with the team developing I'm actually quite excited about what is going to be happening in the future."
Massey has also confirmed the door remains open for striker Mark Goldsworthy to prove himself at the club.
Goldsworthy was at Treyew Road on Saturday, before leaving the ground shortly before kick-off after learning he wasn't included in the squad.
Goldsworthy then travelled to St Dennis and came on as a substitute for Helston in the second half, scoring in the Blues' 6-1 win.
Source: www.thisiscornwall.co.uk
Steve Tully Factsheet:
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Stephen Richard Tully[1] | ||
| Date of birth | (1980-02-10) 10 February 1980 (age 33) | ||
| Place of birth | Paignton, England | ||
| Height | 1.75 m (5 ft 9 in) | ||
| Playing position | Right-Back | ||
| Club information | |||
| Current club | Galmpton United F.C. | ||
| Number | 2 | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps† | (Gls)† |
| 1997–2002 | Torquay United | 106 | (3) |
| 2002–2005 | Weymouth | 105 | (8) |
| 2005 | Exeter City | 2 | (0) |
| 2005–2007 | Weymouth | 25 | (1) |
| 2007–2013 | Exeter City | 221 | (2) |
| * Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 10:16, 7 May 2012 (UTC). † Appearances (Goals). | |||
He began his career as a fullback with his local side Torquay United, turning professional in August 1997 and making his league debut in a 0-0 draw away to Barnet on 18 November that year. He went on to make over 160 appearances for the Gulls before being released at the end of the 2001–02 season.
He joined non-league side Weymouth in August 2002, quickly establishing himself in the side and winning the awards for Player of the Year and Away Player of the Season in 2003–2004. He lost his place in the side after the appointment of Steve Johnson as manager and asked for a transfer in January 2005.
Although he later withdrew this request, he was allowed to join Exeter City in February 2005.
However, he returned to Weymouth in May that year as new manager Garry Hill's first summer signing on a two-year deal. He returned to Exeter in January 2007 and was a regular in the side that made the play-off final at the end of that season, scoring the winning penalty in the semi-final against Oxford United. On the 2nd of July 2013 Tully was released by Exeter City. Tully is also manager of the Exeter City FC Ladies team having great success.
09 October 2013
Away travel to Banbury
There are three or four spaces remaining on the mini bus for travel to Banbury this Saturday.
If interested, please contact Dave Grimshaw on 07889 787062 asap. First come first served etc. Cost is £20 for Tisa members and approx. £25 for non Tisa members. Bus leaves Treyew Road at 7am this Saturday.
If interested, please contact Dave Grimshaw on 07889 787062 asap. First come first served etc. Cost is £20 for Tisa members and approx. £25 for non Tisa members. Bus leaves Treyew Road at 7am this Saturday.
Some improvement but another home loss
Truro City lost two nil last night to a strong Poole side. We played well in the first half and apart from gifting them a goal, could easily have edged it. In contrast, the second half was poor, heads went down, Poole shifted up to third gear and yet again we handed them a goal on a plate. Our formation was predominantly 4-5-1 leaving the sprightly Ben Watson doing all the work up front. Against four strong defenders, the tactic was clearly not working and we ended the night with another loss and still no home win of the season. With the sad news of Hinckley's demise, give or take a one goal difference, we are now in the relegation battle.
Below are some of the wiser comments from the Tigertalk forum last night:
BIG ROD said:
In the second half Poole either changed their tactics or else they went up a gear and we dropped off the pace. They had much more of the ball in the second half. Their second goal was very strange. It came in from a corner bounced back and everybody just stood rooted to the spot for what seemed like ten seconds and the guy planted it in the net.
I think if City had have played against most sides the way they did in the first half they would have been 3-0 up. By the way, apart from looking like a Cormac worker (all in orange), their Goalie was good. For a change the ref. was pretty good too. Apart from the score line, quite an entertaining game.
On a positive note, we played at 100mph in the first half but were let down by the final ball. Several good efforts which will probably show up in the stats.
Ollie Chenoweth had a good game and backed up my view that he is an excellent shot-stopper; he just needs to keep his concentration levels at a high level.
Jordan Copp really wanted to play in the first half but lost his way later on.
Overall a much improved performance but the "mighty midgets" need a big leader of the line; we are not skillful enough to keep the ball on the ground and beat most of the defences in this league.
Joe Broad went off with what looked like a hamstring injury. So come on Ollie Brokenshire step up to the plate and show you can make the grade.
Finally I hear that there is some discontent amongst some of the players with the coach. Certainly with the lack of organisation shown in the last two games, that would not surprise me.
Cue the incoming mortars.
Below are some of the wiser comments from the Tigertalk forum last night:
BIG ROD said:
Just back home from the match.
This is how I saw it. Poole are a very fit team, ran at everything gave 100%.
Truro played very well in the first half. Jamie Lowry was a very steady
influence. He did have a couple of misplaced passes but he may be a bit rusty.
He also had a couple of good low shots on goal. In the first half there were a
lot of balls coming in from the right wing, but with a lone striker, nobody to
get on the end of them. The goal in the first half was a scrambled affair from a
corner. I got the impression that the Ollie was reluctant to come and claim it,
but it was really a goal given away.
In the second half Poole either changed their tactics or else they went up a gear and we dropped off the pace. They had much more of the ball in the second half. Their second goal was very strange. It came in from a corner bounced back and everybody just stood rooted to the spot for what seemed like ten seconds and the guy planted it in the net.
I think if City had have played against most sides the way they did in the first half they would have been 3-0 up. By the way, apart from looking like a Cormac worker (all in orange), their Goalie was good. For a change the ref. was pretty good too. Apart from the score line, quite an entertaining game.
DUTY281 said:
First half decent, second half
inept. Couldn't find a final ball in either half, and so couldn't break down a
very organised Poole defence. Poole were decent, but nothing special. Both goals
could and should of been averted, both from set-pieces which we couldn't defend
against (again). Heads dropped after the first goal, and we never recovered. I
can only recall their keeper having to make one save, and that was from a
set-piece.
Questions must be asked again:
Evans started instead of captain Kendall, why? (Car problems delayed their arrival eds.)
Les didn't start, despite being one of our best players on Saturday, why? (Ditto above eds.)
One up front at home again, why? Watson is great at holding the ball up but it's no good when you're isolated.
I think we've lost 5 league games in a row now.
Something. Must. Be. Done.
Otherwise we'll be in a relegation battle. Scratch that, we ARE in a relegation battle.
Questions must be asked again:
Evans started instead of captain Kendall, why? (Car problems delayed their arrival eds.)
Les didn't start, despite being one of our best players on Saturday, why? (Ditto above eds.)
One up front at home again, why? Watson is great at holding the ball up but it's no good when you're isolated.
I think we've lost 5 league games in a row now.
Something. Must. Be. Done.
Otherwise we'll be in a relegation battle. Scratch that, we ARE in a relegation battle.
GORRANBLADE said:
The word "ORGANISE" springs to mind. For their first goal I particularly watched
how our defence organised itself for the corner. Frankly they did not organise
very well. We had already seen their tactics, bunching at the far post and
attacking the ball as it came across. So what did Aaron Pugh do? He stood rooted
in the 6 yard box along with 3 other Truro players. Nobody coming in with their
runners to attack the ball.
The second goal was a bit of a magic backheal to find the scorer in space to bang it home. Personally I'm not too critical of this goal although he did have to much space while we ball watched.
The second goal was a bit of a magic backheal to find the scorer in space to bang it home. Personally I'm not too critical of this goal although he did have to much space while we ball watched.
On a positive note, we played at 100mph in the first half but were let down by the final ball. Several good efforts which will probably show up in the stats.
Ollie Chenoweth had a good game and backed up my view that he is an excellent shot-stopper; he just needs to keep his concentration levels at a high level.
Jordan Copp really wanted to play in the first half but lost his way later on.
Overall a much improved performance but the "mighty midgets" need a big leader of the line; we are not skillful enough to keep the ball on the ground and beat most of the defences in this league.
Joe Broad went off with what looked like a hamstring injury. So come on Ollie Brokenshire step up to the plate and show you can make the grade.
Finally I hear that there is some discontent amongst some of the players with the coach. Certainly with the lack of organisation shown in the last two games, that would not surprise me.
Cue the incoming mortars.
08 October 2013
City Alerts - Poole pre match comment
Poole Town arrive at Treyew Road this evening (7-45 pm KO) on the back of their first defeat of the season (5-2 ) at Stourbridge last Saturday.
City manager Steve Massey selects from the same squad that lost at home to St Albans, but welcomes back the experienced Jamie Lowry after his three match ban.
Massey can't wait for the game tonight and knows the players want to banish Saturdays result out of their system and give the fans a memorable evening and performance against one of the top sides in the league: "The team and squad is developing all the time and as crazy as it might sound, there were lots of positives to take from Saturdays bizarre game into tonight's".
The debut of Ben Watson of course being one. He again leads the team from the front tonight hoping to add to his two goals on his first appearance in a Truro shirt.
Hinckley United FC demise
The Southern League is naturally extremely saddened about the demise of Hinckley United Football Club. The likely aftermath of the club’s inability to complete its fixtures will be for their playing record to be expunged and, subject to the Board ratifying this action, the Premier Division table will be revised accordingly.
League Chairman, Ken Turner, said “It is accepted that these are extremely difficult times for all football clubs and it is important that the obvious warnings are heeded and that Clubs ensure that they operate within their means. Otherwise, there are likely to be more and more finding themselves with similar problems to those that have brought an end to the existence of Hinckley United.”
*****************
In effect, what this means for Truro City is that we lose our three points and as of today, drop to third from bottom. Four teams facing potential relegation now reads three as Hinckley are now expunged. Third from bottom however, should focus attention on our own dire situation on the playing field.
07 October 2013
Goal Fest in Southern Premier (as per Pitchero Non League news)
There was something of a goal fest in the Calor League Southern Premier Division on Saturday.
Top of the scorers were St Albans City, who made the long trek down to Cornwall to take on Truro City and returned home with an amazing 7-3 win!
Truro manager Steve Massey had been busy during the week bringing in two new signings, but by the first quarter of the match City were trailing 3-0!
Indecisiveness allowed Chris Watters the opportunity to place home the first, while central defender James Kaloczi headed home the second.
Darren Locke was allowed a free run in at goal to get on the end of a Watters left wing cross. 22 minutes on the clock, and the White Tigers were 3-0 down.
New signing Ben Watson threatened a comeback when he reduced the deficit to just one with a brace in the 48th and 68th minutes.
The optimism unfortunately lasted all of 4 minutes as out of absolutely nowhere Lee Chappell hit a long range shot that went in off the underside of the cross-bar.
The result was well and truly settled in the 77th minute when substitute Elliott Bailey slotted the ball home from the edge of the penalty area, although Cody Cooke did manage a third for the beleaguered hosts in the 80th minute.
But St Albans finished the day off in style with two more goals in stoppage time from Chris Henry and John Frendo to make it 7-3.
Truro City v St Albans - (St Albans Press Report)
History making Saints maul the White Tigers
1:01am Sunday 6th October 2013 in Local Sport By David Tavener
In fact the 90 minutes almost bordered on the bizarre as joint-Saints manager James Gray admitted that his side did not even play well, which was probably just as well for Steve Massey and his shell-shocked White Tigers.
City headed for their first match in Cornwall on the back of two consecutive Premier Division defeats and also without their recognised central defensive pairing of skipper Ben Martin (at a family wedding) and Ryan Wharton (suspended).
Their absence allowed James Kaloczi to return to the starting line up for the first time in seven weeks while Darren Locke was recalled after five weeks out of the side.
City made one other change to the side that defeated Billericay Town in the FA Cup with winger Victor Osobu making way for Leyton Orient teenager Harrison Georgiou.
Truro, still searching for their first home league win of the season, included new additions Aaron Pugh and Ben Watson.
Central defender Pugh re-joined Truro after a year with Dorchester Town. Watson was also with Dorchester and marked his debut with a brace to stand alongside the duo he scored for Bognor Regis against the Saints in 2006.
City’s seven goals suggest that they laid siege to the home goal but it was more a case of outstanding finishing that secured the Saints highest tally in an away league match for 27 years.
Truro had at least an equal share of the play but were ruthlessly penalised for an opening 30 minutes during which they were quite abysmal.
During that opening third of the game the Cornish side - at their fine home - repeatedly conceded possession cheaply, made far too many wayward passes and left vast gaps in their own penalty area. Defeat was unavoidable.
St Albans needed just nine minutes to punish the first error with John Frendo winning the ball off Les Afful on the edge of the penalty area.
City’s leading goal scorer slid the ball into the path of Chris Watters whose low shot went through the legs of keeper Ollie Chenoweth for the opening goal.
Two minutes later and Watters’ first goal of the season was followed by Kaloczi’s first for the club.
A poor clearance by Dan Evans was seized upon by Lee Chappell and from his deep cross from the City left flank Kaloczi pounced at the back post to score with an excellent downward header.
Truro lost a chance to get back into the game when Paul Kendall failed to make a firm enough contact with a header to Afful’s corner.
On 22 minutes Truro’s problems increased when a City corner was only partially cleared to James Comley with the City captain clipping the ball wide to Watters.
From Watters’ perfect cross Locke moved forward to head home unchallenged and then mark his first goal for the club with the most elaborate celebration of the afternoon.
With a quarter of the game gone the result appeared to be cut and dried although a firm drive by Neil Slateford suggested the home side could still make an impact on the day.
Eight minutes from the interval City withdrew striker Mark Nwokeji, mostly as a precaution, to be replaced by Elliot Bailey.
And shortly before the break Truro replaced full back Evans with striker Liam Eddy and went for three at the back in the hope of staging a comeback.
And just three minutes after the interval that fightback got into gear albeit through controversial circumstances.
Referee Steve Annis appeared to blow his whistle for a foul on Howard Hall then left City high and dry by allowing play to go on. Afful took advantage to cross for Watson to reduce the deficit.
Truro now looked a different and more positive proposition, and just a minute after the goal Eddy flashed a shot over the Saints goal.
City enjoyed a moment’s good fortune when, following a corner, an audacious overhead kick by Pugh struck Paul Bastock’s left hand post and moments later the Saints keeper had to be alert to smother a shot by Afful.
Georgiou’s first starting appearance ended on 57 minutes as City’s super-sub Chris Henry entered the fray.
It is a moniker that the winger will be keen to shake off but within a minute of coming on he was flying down the left flank and causing problems for the White Tigers.
On the hour Kaloczi suffered a cut head, following a completely accidental clash of heads with Pugh, but was able to continue after treatment.
Truro had optimistic shouts for a penalty rejected after the ball bounced up and struck Chappell’s arm but on 68 minutes the home side did have cause for celebration.
A Joe Broad cross was struck back into the goalmouth on the half-volley by Afful for Watson to plunder his second goal from point-blank range.
A minute later and Bastock saved well from Matt Andrew but St Albans regained the upper hand with a stunning goal on 72 minutes.
A patient build up ended with Hall and Watters working the ball inside to Comley and from his long pass out to the left Chappell, ten yards inside the Truro half, saw acres of empty space in front of him.
As Truro stood off Chappell moved forward and hammered a blistering drive from around 28 yards that veered in several directions before sailing past the static Chenoweth and entering the goal via the underside of the crossbar.
There could hardly have been a more spectacular way in which the left-back could open his account for the Saints.
Four minutes later Bailey dispossessed the dithering Pugh on the edge of the penalty area before beating Chenoweth with splendidly placed low left-footed effort to the right of the diving keeper as City moved into a 5-2 lead.
On 81 minutes Truro again cast doubt on the outcome with an excellent goal as Cody Cooke notched his first league goal of the campaign.
Shane White played the ball in from the left to Watson and from his square pass Cooke fired past a surprised Bastock with a beautifully placed effort from 17 yards.
Eddy really ought to have set up a fascinating finale when clear but wanted too long on the ball and was tackled by Hall with Kaloczi completing the clearance.
Massey made an intriguing double substitution two minutes into added time but the move backfired as St Albans struck twice more in the little time remaining.
Henry was sent through three minutes into added time and superbly side-stepped the advancing Chenoweth before calmly switching the ball onto his right foot and from a tight angle slid the ball through the legs of the diving Kendall for his fifth goal of the season.
Even with that goal Henry was far from finished and two minutes later cut the ball back to Frendo who held off White before claiming the tenth and final goal of the day with an angled left-footed shot across the despairing Chenoweth.
City’s win lifts them up to eighth in the Southern League and this coming Tuesday, 8th October, they will look to make further progress when tackling struggling Bedford Town.
The short trip to the New Eyrie will be a welcome relief to the Saints following their six-hour trip to the south west on Friday and return journey on Saturday night.
Kick off at Bedford is at 7.45pm.
Truro City: O.Chenoweth, D.Evans (L.Eddy 42), S.White, P.Kendall, A.Pugh, J.Broad (J.Sims 90), L.Afful, C.Cooke, B.Watson, M.Andrew (O.Brokenshire 90), N.Slateford, subs; S.Broomfield, J.Copp.
Booked: Cooke, Kendall, Andrew, Afful.
St Albans City: P.Bastock, H.Hall, L.Chappell, R.Marwa, J.Kaloczi, R.Wharton, H.Georgiou (C.Henry 57), J.Comley, J.Frendo, M.Nwokeji (E.Bailey 37), C.Watters (M.Taylor 77), subs; V.Osobu, J.Gray.
Booked: Watters, Hall, Marwa.
Goals: 9 0-1 Watters, 11 0-2 Kaloczi, 22 0-3 Locke, 48 1-3 Watson, 68 2-3 Watson, 72 2-4 Chappell, 76 2-5 Bailey, 81 3-5 Cooke, 90 3-6 Henry, 90 3-7 Frendo.
Referee: Steve Annis (Penzance).
Attendance: 451.
05 October 2013
Statement from Steve Massey - Friday 4th October
Statement from Steve Massey
After a whirlwind 72 hours or so, I am delighted - absolutely thrilled - to confirm the signings of two very experienced and talented players, both of whom will be available for tomorrow's match at home to St Albans City. Aaron Pugh and Ben Watson have both joined us from Dorchester Town.
Defender Aaron needs no introduction, having played for us previously and proving himself a big favourite. Striker Ben, I am certain, will be a terrific asset, having been a prolific goal scorer wherever he has played. If you look at his profile on the Dorchester Town website, you will be left in no doubt about his pedigree.
I have been a great admirer of both players for a long time and when Peter (Masters) and I learned that both were among the eight being put up for sale by Dorchester, following that club's grave financial problems, we moved fast to secure their signatures. A special word of thanks must go to the Dorchester club for their co-operation in ensuring that both were signed and registered in time for tomorrow's match, and to our very own admin team led by Tracey Finemore.
If anyone still doubts our commitment, ambition and sheer determination to achieve success for Truro City - Peter and myself in particular, which have understandably come in for some stick in recent weeks - then I hope this news can be seen as the statement of intent that it clearly is.
Believe me, we really do mean business, but I also don't want anyone to think this is a knee-jerk reaction to the recent bad results, or that it knocks off track our underlying policy of giving a chance to the best of young Cornish talent.
As I say, we have had players of the quality and calibre like Aaron and Ben on our radar for some time, and their ability and experience will greatly assist in bringing along the youngsters in our squad - and be a big boost to overall confidence and morale in the process. We always knew that an injection of additional experience would be both desirable and in fact necessary somewhere along the line. Now we have had the opportunity that was simply too good to miss.
I look forward to seeing has many of you there for the game on Saturday against St Albans and of course Tuesday evening (8th) against Poole Town, when another of our recent experienced signings Jamie Lowry makes his welcome return from a three match ban.
The Tigers have been a little sleepy recently, however tomorrow they are ready to roar once more!