31 December 2013

City Alerts - the referee has tonight confirmed the Weymouth game is off.

The weather has not been kind to us over the Christmas period. We were fortunate to play the Bashley game at home on the 28th December thanks to the excellent work by Tich and his assistants but it took its toll on the pitch.

With no respite from the severe weather conditions, regretfully we now have no alternative but to cancel tomorrow’s game against Weymouth. We know the team will be disappointed as they were looking forward to the challenge and we are aware that some of our Supporters wanted to catch up with old friends.

There will be another day with details of the new fixture date being announced shortly. We now prepare for this Saturday's game away to Burnham and build on the 5-0 win against Bashley.  

Both Philip and I hope you have very enjoyable evening and a Happy and Prosperous New Year.

Peter.

29 December 2013

Football glory days - an archive of photos from the 1930's to 60's.

This article in the Daily Mail is well worth a look.  Click on the link below and take a look at the incredible photo's.
 


http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2520382/Beautiful-archive-photographs-capture-life-football-fan-terraces-Thirties-Sixties.html

Elementary for Watson as Truro City romp to victory (by Rhod Mitchell, West Briton)

Truro City 5 Bashley 0

After a frustrating opening to the match, City romped to their biggest Calor League premier division win of the season to stretch their unbeaten run to four games.

Against the league’s basement club, it was a match City were expected to win after three successive draws and once man of the match Ben Watson gave them the lead just before half time, there was only always going to be one winner.

Olly Brokenshire soon made it 2-0 and after the break, Watson, Cody Cooke and a last minute Steve Tully penalty ensured a happy end to 2013 for Steve Massey’s side.
    
But until Watson ended his scoring drought, the home side had found it difficult to break down the visitors, who had taken just five points all season.

And City had to be thankful for a terrific save with his leg by keeper Grant Fisher to keep out Scott Joyce’s goalbound shot to keep them on level terms.

Perhaps weary from their exertions at Bideford on Boxing Day, City seemed to be running out of ideas when Watson pounced four minutes before the break.

It has been a lean time for the former Dorchester striker who scored twice on his debut at the start of October but has not netted since.

However, his efforts were at last rewarded when he latched onto Arran Push’s header from a Joe Broad free-kick to fire home from close range with the ball going into the net off the underside of the bar.

And three minutes later it was 2-0 when a terrible mix-up involving Bashley keeper Monty George and his defence allowed Brokenshire to plant the ball into the empty net from wide out on the left.

It was effectively game over as City dominated the second half on a pitch which held up surprisingly well after all the recent heavy rain.

Just after the hour mark Jamie Lowry played in Watson for his second which he took with minimum of fuss and a superb 25-yard free-kick by the recalled Cody Cooke made it 4-0.

And right on time, when substitute Jared Sims was brought down by Bashley keeper Monty George, it gave Steve Tully the chance to hammer home the spot kick to complete a highly satisfactory day for the home side.

City are next in action at home to Weymouth on New Year’s Day (3pm).

City: Fisher; Tully, White, Pugh, Daw; Cooke, Broad (capt) (Eddy 64), Lowry (Copp 68), Brokenshire, Afful; Watson. Subs (not used): Evans, Green.

Bashley: George; Roberts (Brookes 75), Flint, Strickland, Gazzard, Colson (Morris 68), Blackmore, Satterley, Joyce, Odam, Soetan.
Subs (not used): Marden.
Goals Watson (41) 1-0, Brokenshire (44) 2-0; Watson (64) 3-0, Cooke (75) 4-0, Tully (90 pen) 5-0.
Referee: Marc Whaley (Plymouth).

Crowd: 401.
Man of the match: Ben Watson (Truro City).

 

Bashley bruised by killer brace at five-star Truro (Bournemouth Echo)

JOINT-BOSS Paul Gazzard insisted Bashley were much closer to counterparts Truro City than the scoreline suggested following Saturday’s 5-0 reverse in Cornwall.

Bash remain rooted to the foot of the Southern League Premier Division after the White Tigers found their bite with two goals in the final three minutes of the first half.

Ben Watson broke the visitors’ resistance with a close range finish before Olly Brokenshire found the empty net on the half volley from 35 yards after rookie keeper Monty George had scuffed his clearance.

Watson tucked away the third midway through the second half before Cody Cooke’s blistering free-kick and Steve Tulley’s penalty rounded off the scoring.

But despite the heavy nature of the defeat, Gazzard believed the match was defined by his side’s failure to find the first goal.

Bashley’s player-manager told the Daily Echo: “People will see the result and think ‘That’s another 5-0 defeat on the road’ but without seeing it first-hand they probably won’t realise how disappointed we were to be on the end of a result like that.
“Until the first goal went in we were well in the game and were probably the better side. We certainly created the better chances.

"I had a header I should have done better with and one of their defenders has hit his own crossbar. Our best chance came when Joycey (Scott Joyce) cut inside and saw his shot hit the keeper’s foot.

“As a striker he could have taken it first time and even after taking a touch really should have put it in the back of the net.

“We were more than competitive but the two goals just before half-time killed us. We could have done better with the first from a set piece and the second should have been
“They are harsh lessons but the boys are learning from it.”

27 December 2013

City Alerts - Truro City v Bashley

We are pleased to report that the Dug outs have been repaired, temporary fencing has been erected around the damaged stand and the pitch is now ready to play. We express our sincere thanks to all who helped with the repairs which allowed us to get the match against Bashley on tomorrow.  

We are still awaiting a damage report on our squad at this time following yesterday’s “Boxing Day encounter” but you can be assured that Steve Massey has all positions covered and it should be a great game to watch with a few surprises in store.

Needless to say the visiting team can look forward to an extra warm welcome at Treyew Road this time of year with all Supporters having the opportunity to enjoy the six real ales on offer at just £2 per pint. Turnstiles and Bar open from 12 noon with kick off at 3pm. Please come early as we are expecting a bumper crowd.

Truro City forced to settle for point against ten man Bideford (by Rhod Mitchell West Briton)

Bideford 0 Truro City 0

City drew their third Calor League premier division game in a row, in an incident-packed Boxing Day derby game, which saw the home side miss a penalty and play much of the second half with ten men after former Truro player Matt Bye was sent off.

It was an entertaining match before a crowd of 549, that could have ended up with virtually any score, as both sides left their shooting boots at home, contriving to miss some great openings.

City went with the same starting line up that drew 1-1 at Arlesley Town on Saturday, as they set out to avenge their 2-0 defeat when the two teams met at Treyew in August.

After some initial sparring, the game came to life, with Owen Howe shooting over for Bideford, while at the other end Paul Kendall could not finish when Jamie Lowry's corner came to him after hitting the bar.

Bideford though should have taken the lead after 34 minutes when Dan Green brought down Sean Downing in the area as he burst clear on the left, but City keeper Grant Fisher produced a great save to keep out Matt Hockley's spot kick to deny the midfielder a goal against his former club.

Almost immediately, Neil Slateford went agonisingly close to putting the visitors ahead, shooting just wide of the far post, though City were grateful for another bad miss by Howe, who endured a nightmare first half in front of goal.

Ben Watson then came so close to ending his City goal drought just before the interval, as he saw his shot drift just wide of the far post.

City were given a big boost eight minutes into the second half when Bye, who had been booked for dissent at the end of the first half, needlessly slid in on Arran Pugh, earning the home midfielder a second yellow and leaving Bideford down to ten men.
It was the North Devon club's ninth red card already this season.

Now the question was whether City could make use of their man advantage and claim all three points and they continued to play the better football, with Bideford continuing to rely on the long ball.

Dan Green forced a good save out of Steve Oliver in the home goal and there wee a couple of other half chances, but City did not really make their possession count.

Bideford were forced to live on scraps, but looked dangerous on the break and almost snatched victory in the dying minutes when Fisher made a hash of an attempted clearance, but fortunately for the keeper, with the goal at his mercy, Downing did the same as he sliced his effort horribly wide.

Truro brought on Liam Eddy as they continued to press for a winner but could not find a way through the massed Bideford defence and had to settle for a share of the spoils and stay 17th in the table.

After the game City boss Steve Massey said he thought it was two points lost rather than one gained.

He said: "They will say they had the better chances, but I thought we bossed the game. We just need a bit more luck in front of goal. But if you said to me whether I would take a point before the game I would have been pleased with that.

" I was pleased, but just a little frustrated we did not pick the three points up. I thought we deserved a point today. We limited them to kicks out of their keeper's hands.

"We are starting to come together as a real team and one that is difficult to beat and thats a good point to start from."

City will now be looking for three points at home to bottom club Bashley on Saturday, when they will be without the suspended Paul Kendall, while Neil Slateford is a major doubt after suffering a gashed leg following a heavy challenge by Ian Sampson.

Bideford: Oliver; Sampson, Farkins, Gerring, Reed, Duff, Hockley (capt), Bye, Duff (Orchard 80), Merceca, Howe (Yeoman 55), Downing.

Subs (not used): Squire, Phillips, Milton.
Red card: Bye (53), two yellows (44 and 53).

City: Fisher; Tully, Kendall, Pugh, White; Afful (Eddy 76), Lowry, Broad, Green, Slateford (Copp 65), Watson. Subs (Not used): Daw, Cooke, Brokenshire.
Yellow cards: Kendall.
Referee: Adan Penwill.
City man of the match: Jamie Lowry.
Crowd: 549.


26 December 2013

Bideford expect bumper Boxing Day crowd against Truro City (North Devon Journal)

BIDEFORD are hoping for a bumper crowd for the home match against Truro City on Boxing Day.

The clubs will meet at the Sports Ground for the first time since 2007, renewing their Devon-versus-Cornwall rivalry.

After a strong performance in the 3-1 victory over Hitchin Town on Saturday, Bideford are fourth in the Calor League Premier Division.

Truro, relegated from Conference South in April, made a slow start but have moved up to 17th as their form has improved significantly.

They produced one of their best displays of the season to draw 1-1 at Arlesey Town on Saturday with Les Afful, the former Exeter City striker, getting the goal.

Steve Tulley, the former Exeter captain, has given the team valuable experience since signing in October.

Bideford manager Sean Joyce is hoping his team can complete the double against a side who have gained a big reputation since their rise from the South Western League.

“You try and build it up as a derby, Devon against Cornwall,” said Joyce. “It’s just another game in my eyes. With Truro it’s the big spenders coming up. They have changed their squad around totally from the last time. They can do that with the budget down there.

“We have to go with what we have got, bringing in players from the lower leagues – Graham Mercieca from Street, Sean Downing from Appledore, Owen Howe from Tiverton Town reserves.

“We are going to be in the play-off places at Christmas, which is an unbelievable achievement. If you had said that to me at the start of the season I would have laughed at you.”

When Truro and Bideford met for the first time in five years at Treyew Road in August, the rivalry was clear to see. A spiteful contest provided little entertainment but Bideford were not concerned as goals from Craig Duff and Richard Groves gave them a 2-0 win, maintaining a fine start to the season.

Bideford hope to have Ashley Yeoman, the Torquay United loanee, back after a hamstring injury.

A few familiar faces will be returning to the Sports Ground with Truro.

Goalkeeper Grant Fisher played a handful of games in 2011-12 when Bideford clinched the Division One South and West title.

Defender Paul Kendall, the Truro captain, had a spell with Bideford in 2010 before joining Tiverton.

Matt Andrew, who spent nearly six years at the Sports Ground before joining Truro in the summer, will not be involved because of a long-term knee injury.

Ex-Plymouth Argyle midfielder Joe Broad comes from North Devon and has made more than 300 appearances for Truro.

Previous meetings

September 18, 2007 – Truro City 2 Bideford 1: @Defender Jake Ash scored twice to give Truro their sixth straight win, sending them top of the Toolstation Western League Premier Division. Mike Southgate turned in a cross from Ashley Pook to pull one back but it was not enough for Bideford.

November 6, 2007 – Bideford 1 Truro City 1: @Marcus Martin headed a late equaliser for the FA Vase holders after Robbie Gough had given the hosts the lead in the Western League clash. Bideford paid the price for a first-half penalty miss from Kain Bond.

While the Robins went on to finish sixth, Truro were promoted to the Southern League as Premier Division champions.

January 19, 2008 – Truro City 3 Bideford 2:

The Cornish club held the edge in a thunderous FA Vase tie played in front of a four-figure crowd. Goals from Dean Stamp, Chris Reski and Joe Broad sent them through while Biddy replied through Jamie Densham and a free kick from Lee Groves.

April 15, 2008 – Truro City 2 Bideford 6:

Trailing 2-0 to goals from Stewart Yetton and Joe Broad after 13 minutes, Bideford produced a stunning fightback against the newly-crowned Western League champions. Jamie Densham stunned Truro with four goals with Matt Downing and Leon Hapgood getting the others.

August 26, 2013 – Truro City 0 Bideford 2:

 On their first meeting for five years, there was no love lost between the sides in a bad-tempered encounter. On the brief occasions when a football match threatened to break out, Craig Duff put Bideford ahead and sub Richard Groves sealed the win with a free kick.

24 December 2013

City Alerts Christmas Eve - Storm damage at Treyew Road

From City Alerts this morning:

Treyew Road took a real battering last night causing damage to both the Covered Seating Area (Council Offices end) and dug out. The Covered Seating Area has been deemed unsafe due to the movement off the support pads and the buckled roof supports.  The latter will have to be dismantled and rebuilt in the New Year. The dug out will be repaired during the Christmas period.

 
 

Tracey Finemore has since clarified with the Calor League that the games with Bashley on the Sat 28th Dec and Weymouth on New Year's Day have been given the go-ahead, dependent of course on any future pitch inspection.

22 December 2013

Arlesey Town v Truro City match report by Chris Sterry

Weather is the winner as Arlesey held to a draw
 
Saturday 21st December 2013

Arlesey Town (1) 1 Truro City (1) 1 Gate 137
Tavernier 39............Afful 9

Ref- Mr A Gillet
Bookings: -. Arlesey Town: -Kevin M’Bala
.........................Truro City: - Paul Kendall

Arlesey M.O.M:- Christian Tavernier

Arlesey Town
Jack Bonham, Andre Maltay, Luke Abraham, Christian Tavernier, Jeanmal Prosper, Kevin M’Bala,
Jonny McNamara, James Hatch©, Stuart Farrell (Basmel 78), Jo N’Guessan, Martel Powell (Medina 47).
Subs:-, Hallelujah Basmel, Luis Medina, James Daly, Stefan Powell, Sam Wyer.

Truro City
Grant Fisher, Steve Tilly, Shane White, Paul Kendall ©, Arran Pugh, Joe Broad, Les Afful (Cooke 53),
Jamie Lowrey, Ben Watson, Dan Green, Neil Slateford (Eddy 72).
Subs:-, Liam Eddy, Jordan Copp, Cody Cooke, Olly Brokenshire, Warren Daw.

For this 2nd home game in the week the weather was very wet and windy but with the distance that the opposition had to travel this game had to be on, and at kick off time the pitch was quite good but a little soft in places making conditions difficult. Arlesey introduced two more new signings on the bench on Luis Medina and James Daly and rested Barry Hayles for the important games ahead over the busy Christmas period

The game started at quite a high tempo with a long ball up from Truro being well headed back to Jack Bonham by Kevin M’Bala with a good diving header, a mazy run from Martel Powell down the wing that beat 3 defenders before he put in a cross that was cleared. Jonny McNamara looked clean through before he was brought down by a foul by Paul Kendall, as the ref dealt with the injured player first the only debate was to the colour of the card and when a yellow was eventually produced the Truro skipper must have been very relieved.

 With both sides working hard the break through came in just the 9th min as a low cross in from the right by Neil Slateford was missed by everybody in the Arlesey defence and bounced through to Les Afful at the far post, he semi controlled the ball and it went over the diving Bonham and into the net to give the visitors the break through.

 Arlesey reorganised and pushed forward again as they won a corner. This was punched out by Grant Fisher as far as McNamara who went round 3 defenders in the box but his cross/shot in was blocked and cleared.

 As the rain got heavier and the wind increased the conditions got steadily worse but the contingent of noisy Truro supporters kept up their singing regardless of the rain.
The play continued as Ben Watson put in a cross but it was wide of everybody and a good low shot was dealt with by Bonham at the second attempt in the slippery conditions. Arlesey countered as Powell pulled a good ball back to Christian Tavernier whose shot was blocked and cleared.

 A Truro free kick found Joe Broad who turned well on the edge of the box and shot just past the post. The game settled in as both sides worked hard on the sticky pitch to find an opening, Powell fed a good ball through to McNamara but he was just off side when in a good position, and Jo N’Guessan was also fed through but Fisher was quickly out of his box to beat him to it and clear. Stuart Farrell also headed on well to feed N’Guessan in again but he tried to lob the ball over the keeper but he also beat the cross bar.

 Kevin M’Bala was booked for a foul when he looked to have got the ball as he slid into a challenge which was harsh given the conditions.

 Arlesey got back on even terms as a good move saw McNamara feed in the overlapping Tavernier and for the second time in a week he calmly shot past the keeper to equalise the scores.

 As the game moved into injury time Powell was injured and had to receive treatment, and just before the whistle Farrell made a brake through but as he resisted the defender tracking him back he shot wide leaving the scores level at the break.

 After the break Arlesey replaced Martel Powell with new signing Luis Medina. N’Guessan made a good turn and shot which brought a good save out of Grant as he pushed it wide for a corner that Jeanmal prosper headed over the bar. Jamie Lowry also made a good turn and shot for Truro but his effort was high as the rain drove down.

 Truro replaced Les Afful with Cody Cooke as the sort to attack the game and Broad made a good run into the box but he was blocked before shooting over the bar.
Luis Medina made a good run forward and found Farrell who headed down to N’Guessan but his shot was past the post, and Medina again did well to find McNamara who turned his man but the defender recovered to just get a toe to the ball and clear.

 As Arlesey pushed forward Farrell found N’Guessan but as he turned his defender he was pulled up for a foul.

 Truro countered with Slateford hitting a shot that was blocked but he got a second attempt as the ball came back to him and his 2nd shot deflected for a corner. Bonham got a punch to the ball under pressure and Prosper tried to head it out but it dropped down to Kendall who was in space and he got in a header that dropped onto the bar before being cleared.

 As the weather got worse and the rain got heavier, another foul by M’Bala received a good talking to from the ref but he was at least allowing for the conditions by keeping further cards in his pocket. The free kick in was well taken by Bonham.

 Medina found N’Guessan on the edge of the box and his flick looked in before a great save from Fisher pushed the ball around the past for a corner which was cleared.

 Truro replaced Neil Slateford with Liam Eddy as Truro still tried to get forward. A good turn in the box and shot brought another good save out of Bonham and from a corner Kendall hit a good low shot that brought a good save out of Bonham.

 Arlesey replaced Stuart Farrell with Hallelujah Basmel to put fresh legs up front. Medina turned well but his shot was wide.

Truro had a series of corners as they pushed forward that were eventually cleared by a good header by M’Bala as the ref relieved the pressure with a free kick for a raised boot.

 With the game drawing to a close good defending in the box by Tavernier disposed Liam Eddy as he worked into the box. With the game going into injury time a good low long shot by Steve Tilly brought a good stop from Bonham and a good cross in by McNamara was cleared as the final whistle blew.

In this game the weather was the real winner but at least the game finished and a draw was probably the right result on the day against a good looking Truro side. The draw puts Arlesey just 1 point and 1 place above neighbours Hitchin who are the next game at Arlesey on Boxing day which should ensure a classic encounter with both teams in a fairly good run of form.

Truro City boss full of praise for team as they make their point (by Rhod Mitchell, West Briton)

Arlesey Town 1 Truro City 1

Steve Massey was full of praise for his City team after they upset the odds to deny the in-form home team a fifth straight Calor League premier division win.

He said: “It was one of our better, if not best performances of the season, and goodness knows how we did not take all three points.

“I was really thrilled with our display and I cannot fault the players.
   
“We played some excellent football and battered them in the second half, but just could not get that second goal.”

Massey made two changes from the team that drew 0-0 at home to Corby Town, with Les Afful recalled in place of Liam Eddy and Neil Slateford in for Cody Cooke, as the City boss took the chance to rotate his squad.

And City began well, despite playing against the strong wind at the Armadillo Stadium, taking the lead after just nine minutes.

Good approach play ended with Jamie Lowry crossing for Les Afful to force the ball home for his third goal of the season.

And City held onto their lead until six minutes before the break when they were caught napping at the back allowing Jonny MacNamara to play in Christian Tavernier for the home equaliser.

After the interval it was virtually all City, though Grant Fisher did have to make one important save, early in the half.

The visitors used the wind well and were desperately unlucky on several occasions not to take the lead.

Paul Kendall hit the bar with a good header and had another effort blocked by the home keeper.

Ben Watson, substitutes Liam Eddy and Cooke and Neil Slateford all came close ,but the home goal bore what Massey described as a “charmed life.”

So in the end City had to settle for a point which was the least they deserved for their efforts.

Massey added: “To give Arlesey credit they defended well and their keeper made a couple of great saves.

“But on another day we would have won the game. But we can take great heart from the performance going into the Boxing Day game at Bideford.”

City: Fisher; Tully, Kendall, Pugh, White; Afful (Cooke 55), Lowry, Broad, Green, Slateford (Eddy 75), Watson.
Subs (Not used): Copp, Brokenshire, Daw.
Crowd: 137.

FORUM COMMENTS:

MOUNTAINEER SAID:
First it has to be a well done for the Arlesey groundstaff who worked their socks off all morning to ensure the game was on,

The heavy clay pitch made things difficult for the players of both sides who besides competing against each other had wind and rain to contend with, this was a fighting performance by both sides and at the end of the day a draw was a fair result, yes we howled Goooaaalll on a few occasions but Arlesey too had their moments, for me the most influential act in the game was a great save diving to his left post of Grant Fisher, made more difficult by the wind - that save alone was worthy of "Man of the match".

This was a great performance by our lads, Arlesey's line up read like a who's who, their goalkeeper on loan from Brentford, two with MK Dons connection, Stevenage for another, Luton too and there were more, possibly our best "team" performance of the season, the only thing missing is the ability to kill teams off, it will come, the team was impressive today, wish we had Hungerford now because then the score would probably be reversed.
Well done City.

PAUL CONDON SAID:

Yes, a similar game to Corby really. Strong wind, rain and a game either side could have won but I think Truro had most possession throughout.

Arlesey attacked well on the break though. the three man midfield of Broad, Lowery & Green was probably the most effective fielded by Truro this season and looked comfortable all game.

Good football played on the ground in poor conditions. Nice relaxed feel in the bar afterwards too. quite a good club really with friendly fans and modern facilities, decent beer and charming barmaids. a great day out.

I look forward to the next away trip with tisa.

16 December 2013

Travel arrangements for Arlesey away Sat 21st December

There are six spaces available on the bus to Arlesey on Saturday 21st December.  The bus will leave Treyew Road at 7am.

Anyone interested please call Steve Rogers on #07776 #214300 to book a place.

First come first served etc.

15 December 2013

Massey left frustrated as Tigers draw a blank (by Rhod Mitchell - West Briton)

Truro City 0 Corby Town 0

Steve Massey was left frustrated as his side were unable to take their chances to claim all three points in a Calor League premier division game played in foul conditions at Treyew Road.

The City boss was convinced it was a case of two points thrown away, in a game in which one goal was always likely to be enough to clinch victory.

He said: “ It is not like we did not create chances, but we have to put those chances away when they come along. It is really frustrating.”

A fierce wind, which was later accompanied by driving rain, made it difficult for both sides, but City had the edge for most of the 90 minutes but were unable to find the net with strikers Liam Eddy and Ben Watson both drawing blanks.

On the plus side, it was a second successive clean sheet in the league at home for a City side who have shipped goals this season.

Massey made just one change from the side that lost at Hemel Hempstead Town, with Dan Green getting his first start after return to the club, with Les Afful dropping to the bench.

Against the wind in the first half, City looked reasonably comfortable, apart from the odd scare, while Liam Eddy had the best chance of the half, but saw his shot well saved at his near post by Corby keeper Paul Walker.

At the start of the second half, a mistake by Corby defender Brad-Lee Gascoigne let in Ben Watson but he could only shoot tamely at Walker.

City continued to look the side more likely to take the points as Corby sat deeper and deeper.

There were a couple of massive scrambles following City corners but the ball would just not go in, while Eddy also snatched a chance wide.

Corby defender Paul Malone was lucky to escape with just a yellow card from referee Steve Annis after hauling back Jamie Lowry on the edge of the area, as the City midfielder looked to burst into the box.

It was the kind of day for City who stay 17th in the table ahead of Saturday’s trip to Arlesey Town.

City: Fisher; Tully, Kendall (capt), Pugh, White; Lowry, Broad, Cooke (Brokenshire 86), Green (Slateford 77); Eddy (Afful 77), Watson.
Subs (not used): Daw, Copp.

Corby Town: Walker; Ives, Malone, Gascoigne, Malone, Jelleyman (capt); Mills, McGowan, Verma, Carvalho, May (Wright 63), Tambini (Carruthers 63).
Subs (not used): Thomas, Fox, Carpenter.

Crowd: 386.
Referee Steve Annis (Penzance).

LINK TO OFFICIAL MATCH REPORT by Dave Deacon



14 December 2013

Truro City v Corby Town live blog

If you can't get to City's final home game before Christmas, when they take on Corby Town at Treyew Road (3pm), follow Rhod Mitchell's live blog on the game by going to www.westbriton.co.uk/sport from 2pm on Saturday.

Rhod Mitchell of The West Briton

12 December 2013

Pre match snippets before the Corby Town game Sat 13th December

Corby Town currently occupy a healthy 12th position in the Calor League with 25 points.  Corby have played four games less than Truro and are still three points ahead in the table.

Corby Town stadium

Corby Town FC was formed in 1948 - the Steelmen play in Black and White but have a contrasting pink coloured strip for away games.

Corby's last five form guide is a patchy W L W D D compared to Truro's lacklustre L L L W L.

Corby will be looking to improve their poor away form with four losses and two draws already this season.  Apart from the odd six nil drubbing by high flyers Hemel, Corby have scored in all but three of the 17 games played.  Therefore we should see some goals this Saturday.

Prior to Corby's entry to the Calor League this year, the club previously featured in the Conference North league for four years but were demoted last season.

Corby were promoted from the Southern Premier (Calor League) in 2008/09 - their path never crossed Truro City's and thus we have never played Corby previously.

11 December 2013

Truro see off Falmouth to retain Aubrey Wilkes Trophy (by Lee Hall)

Truro City 4, Falmouth Town 0

A much improved second half performance saw Truro City retain the Aubrey Wilkes Memorial Trophy at Treyew Road on Tuesday night.

Despite being several leagues below their local rivals, Falmouth gave an excellent account of themselves in the first half, though it was City who led at the break through Dan Evans' 26th minute header.

Both sides made several changes in the second half and it was to work more favourably for the hosts with experienced players Joe Broad and Ben Watson making a noticeable difference.

Former Town player Dan Green had doubled City's lead in the 57th minute when he swept home Jamie Lowry's cross.

And it was Watson who claimed Truro's third goal of the night, lofting the ball over Town's substitute goalkeeper Ethan Fearne in the 73rd minute.

As fitness began to tell, another former Falmouth player, Liam Eddy, completed the scoring in front of a crowd of 189 when he rounded Fearne before rolling the ball into an empty net.

Truro: O Chenoweth (B Wyatt 82), J Lowry, W Daw (S White 71), D Evans, A Pugh, J Copp (J Broad 71), D Green, O Brokenshire, L Eddy, J Sims (B Watson 58), N Slateford (C Davey 79). Sub (not used): C Cooke.

Falmouth: D Burrows (E Fearne 46), S Kellow, L Jeffery, J Cooper, J Webb, H Evans, R Richardson, G Bell, K Trevaskis (R Wearne 46), A Westgarth (S Retchford 78), D Batchelor (D Friend 78). Subs (not used): E Timmons, T Whipp.

 

08 December 2013

Hemel match report by Nathan Lees (from official Hemel site) plus comment from Steve C.

Truro, having secured more away points than at home in the league took the arduous journey up to Hertfordshire to face high flying Hemel Hempstead Town with a significant 17 points that separated the two teams at kick off.
 
The first chance of the game fell in the way of the Tudors. Paul Kendall, Truro's captain, recklessly dived in to a challenge and earned himself a booking in the process early on. The free kick to follow saw Ben Mackey's low drive nearly tucked home from Dave Pearce. It was the Tudors once more with the chance as a driving run from James Folkes gave room for Parkes to shoot, and his curling effort skimmed the top of the bar to the crowd’s dismay.
 
Paul Kendall then dived in to another dangerous tackle; he was walking a very fine line. Talbot took the free kick and his tremendous strike was tipped over the bar by the visiting keeper. After a flurry of Hemel pressure the long awaited goal finally came for the Tudors. A perfectly waited ball in found Kieran Murphy and he was on hand to head home. 1-0.

The teams went into the break from a half where chances were few and far between.The second half began where the first let off, with Hemel on top. Ben Mackey found himself with the ball at his feet and after going round the third player to the delight of the home support he struck, however his shot did not match the run as it flew into the stand.

 It was almost a replica of moments ago, Mackey ran at the defence and once more he beat his man but this time his shot went wide. The second eventually came for the Tudors as Hutton's looping ball in was sweetly volleyed home by Dave Pearce in the 71st minute to double their advantage. Ben Mackey was then replaced by Charie Mpi and he had an immediate impact. He went round the travelling keeper and fired it into the net to grab the third for Hemel in the 82nd minute.
 
A good chance for Truro followed with Neil Slateford beating two men but his shot was inches wide of the mark. Dave Pearce was proving too much to deal with for Truro in the latter stages of the game and he crossed for Mpi. His bullet header was instinctively saved by the keeper. The final whistle blew and the result was made ever so much sweeter for the home fans with the welcome news of local rivals Chesham losing at home to Burnham. This meant that Hemel went top of the Calor gas league after this hard fought victory.

Hemel line-up: Walker, King, Connolly, Parkes, Murphy, May, Talbot (Allen), Hutton, Pearce, Mackey (Mpi), Faulkes (Berwick). Unused subs: Hawkins, Maissiat.

Man of the match: Dave Pearce.
 
Steve Clark comment:
Well I'll start it off then, in my opinion we played quite well against a very good team.

In the first half I actually thought we were the better team although they created better chances.

On their forum, they said "we were made to fight for it when Truro looked good for about twenty minutes in the second half but goals from Pearce and Mpi finished them off."

That's how I saw the second half which started really brightly for us without too many clear cut chances.

Their 2nd goal was a fantastic volley that is difficult to do anything about and then as we tried to chase the game they broke and got a 3rd.

Another comment from their forum: "Excellent win against a big skilful team I reckon. Mackey was a total handful at all times and the new boys looked good. Special mention for their fans who were excellent. Fair play to them. Truro will play worse than that and win games."

Grant made some excellent saves but needs to work on his distribution I would say.

I don't think anyone had a bad game and up front.  Ben Watson worked his socks off but nothing is breaking for him, unlike his first few games.

Liam Eddy is improving with every match and needs to keep learning which runs to make and when.

Whilst I didn't think Hemel were excellent, I heard that our central defenders said their forwards were the best they had played all season so if anything that shows how well we did defend with the exception of the 1st goal (I don't know who lost their man to allow a relatively free header).

I certainly saw enough to keep me confident that our league position is slightly false and that we are good enough to get results against anyone in this league.

Our fans were awesome once again and it was still a good day out.

I will finish with a quote from Bill Shankly which should be read to any doubters or people who are considering not going as we're not top & winning every game by at least 4 goals "If you can't support us when we lose or draw, don't support us when we win."

By that I mean let's support OUR team in the good and bad times with equal measure.       

06 December 2013

A brief history of The Aubrey Wilkes Memorial Trophy

Back when the two clubs (Truro and Falmouth) were playing in the same league (South Western) it wasn’t too much of a problem to arrange this game, as in the early days it was competed for in their first competitive meeting of the season. However, nowadays it’s not quite so easy with three steps of the The FA's National League System separating the two clubs.

It’s understood Aubrey Wilkes was a great follower of Cornish football, especially Falmouth and Truro, hence the trophy being donated for the two to fight out for each season.  (Wilkes is also understood to have been a past Chairman of Falmouth Town.  The massive trophy itself is Spanish in design and was brought back from Spain whilst a Mr Chinn, a well known Falmouth supporter was on holiday there).

The first challenge was settled in the South Western League clash between the two on the 25th March 1989, at City’s Treyew Road and although things were level at half-time, Town pulled away after the break to finish 4-1 winners.

While Town’s scorers on the day, Phil Shapcott, George Torrance (2) and Chris “Dodger” Long, are now familiar names of the club’s famous past, Truro’s scorer from over 24 years ago is very much part of the present day set-up as it was first team manager, Steve Massey!

The following season, in fact only six months later, saw the Trophy come to Treyew Road for the first time after City won 2-1 at Bickland Park in a game that was also being played as a South Western League Cup First Round tie.

Dodger Long and Steve Massey both scored again, but another well known Cornish goalscorer notched what proved to be the game’s decisive goal – Mark Rapsey.

The two line ups featured many names that have and in fact still are involved in being managers at clubs throughout the county:-

 Falmouth :- John Dent, Dave Leonard, Dave Ford, Jerry Collins, Dave Gardner, Tommy Matthews, Neil Phillips, Geoff Battams, Chris Long, Darren Northcott, Timmy Allen. Subs - Mark Cozens and Duncan Powell. Manager- Dave Wadd.
Truro :- Dennis Annear, Simon Fisher, Tony Webb, Neil Stephens, Mike Tummon, Vas Koromilas, Dave Streat, Graham Bilkey, Dave Slade, Steve Massey, Mark Rapsey. Subs - Chris Webb and John McCullum.
Manager - Morrish Truscott.

Bringing the trophy up to date, the match scheduled for Tuesday should have been at Falmouth, however due to pitch problems, the game has been switched to Truro. This will be the 19th challenge of the Trophy, with the current winning stats being Truro 8, Falmouth 7 and 3 games ending all square.

The game on Tuesday kicks off at 7.45pm with the club hoping it’s going to be a real Christmas Special with Real Ales, Mulled Wine, Mince Pies and a Super Hog Roast all on offer.

It’s obviously a Cornish based trophy that not many know too much about, but thanks to Falmouth Town’s statistician Mike Odgers for helping me with some of the information.

Recent meetings
Tuesday 12th July 2011:
Falmouth Town 3, Truro City 2

Saturday, July 28, 2012:
Truro City 3, Falmouth Town 2

By Dave Deacon and Steve Rogers
ps. if anyone knows more detailed info on the cup and its origins, please do not hesitate to let us know - we will then update the records.

04 December 2013

Hemel vs Truro City Sat 7th December KO 3pm. match preview (from official Hemel site)

The Tudors have yet to beat Truro. Our first meeting was in the 2009/10 season, Truro did the double over us with 3-1 and 0-2 wins. The following season The Tudors held Truro to a 1-1 draw at home but lost 3-0 away.

Truro have won 2 of their last 6 league games, in the build up to this weekends game they won 1-0 at home to Redditch. Truro also recently held league leaders Chesham United to a 1-1 draw. Truro have played 9 away league games so far this season, winning and drawing an even 4, drawing the other one. They have not kept a single clean sheet on the road this season and have lost their last two away league games.

The Tudors go in to this game in the back of a 2-6 win at St Margaretsbury in the Herts Senior Cup, however there are likely to be significant changes to the starting line up for the visit of Truro. Hemel will be looking to bounce back to winning ways in the league after being held to a draw at Cambridge City last Saturday, also The Tudors 100% record of successive home league wins this season is also at stake. The last visitors to Vauxhall Road were AFC Totton who we beat 8-1 last midweek.

For more Hemel FC related stats and information, including head-to-head details of our opponents, visit www.hhtfc.co.uk and follow @thearchiveHHTFC on Twitter.

03 December 2013

Aubrey Wilkes Trophy 2012 - TCFC 3 Falmouth Town 2

Jake Ash accepts the trophy from Falmouth Town Chairman.  Vice Chairman Chris Webb stood in for the then Chairman K Heaney.

Summary report from July 2012:

A great effort from Town but a 76th minute overhead kick from Keifer Moore saw Truro regain the Aubrey Wilkes Trophy following their defeat by the same score in last year’s match at Bickland.

The home side took the lead in the 7th minute through Yetton and on 22 minutes former Town favourite Jake Ash scored a great goal from 25 yards to make it  2-0.  

The score was harsh on Town and Dan Magee’s 42nd minute looping shot from 20 yards to reduce the deficit was well deserved.

On 57 minutes Falmouth grabbed the equaliser when the City keeper spilled Wayne Quinn’s powerful free kick and  Matt Drummond was on hand to grab a poacher’s  goal.  Town fans began to believe their team could retain the trophy but another very good Truro strike gave the Blue Square side a narrow victory.

Previous Cup History:
Falmouth: Winners 1988–89, 1991–92, 1993–94, 1995–96, 2011–2012.

02 December 2013

Aubrey Wilkes Trophy - Truro City vs Falmouth Town Tues 10th Dec.

Truro City vs Falmouth Town















Tues 10th Dec. KO 7.45pm. - Treyew Road.

A Christmas Special Football Bonanza

In addition to the football, the evening will be a real Christmas Special and will feature a raffle, Super Hog Roast, Mulled Wine, Mince Pies and a wide range of real ales from £2 pp.  Entry price is a very reasonable £5 for 16+ and FREE for under 16's.

This is a night not to be missed.

It's just like Eddy as Truro City end losing run (by Rhod Mitchell, West Briton) plus forum comments

Truro City 1 Redditch Utd 0

Recalled striker Liam Eddy’s eighth goal of the season gave City only their second home Calor League premier division win of the season.
Fracasnew
  1. Tempers flare midway throgh the first half. Picture by Jonathan Jacob
The victory ended City’s run of three successive league defeats, which included the 6-0 debacle at Hungerford Town in midweek.

It was also their first clean sheet of the season apart from the 1-0 win at Hinckley, in a game which was subsequently erased from the record books when Hinckley folded.
    
The goal came after 71 minutes, when Eddy turned and slammed the ball home after Arran Pugh had headed a Jordan Copp corner into his path six yards out.

City then had to survive an anxious final few minutes and were indebted to keeper Grant Fisher, on his home debut, for a flying late save to turn away Harvey Headley’s goalbound near post drive at the end.

It was a deserved win for a City side showing five changes form the team that started at Hungerford, with Fisher, Warren Daw, Shane White, Jordan Copp and Eddy coming in for Ollie Chenoweth (unavailable), Steve Tully (injured), Jamie Lowry (unwell), Neil Slateford and Jordan Pearce who both dropped to the bench, where they were joined by new signing Dan Green.

The first half was a pretty lacklustre affair with Fisher saving well from Omari Sterling-Jones, while Les Afful struck the woodwork just before the break.

But the main talking point was an unseemly fracas involving many players from both sides, following a tackle on Eddy, in front of the dug out midway through the half, which saw four players booked, including Paul Kendall and Jordan Copp.

After the break, City began to take a grip on the game and several half chances went begging before Eddy struck.

It was then a case of digging in to ensure a return to winning ways and send City three places up to 15th in the table.

CITY: Fisher; White, Kendall (capt), Pugh, Daw; Afful (Green 78), Cooke, Broad, Copp (Slateford 71), Eddy, Watson. Subs: (Not used); Tully, Pearce.

Redditch Utd: Hornby; Recci, Balinger, Oshungbure, Mutton, Slade, Price, Sammons, Headley, Patterson (Bridgwater 71), Sterling-Jones. Subs (not used); Molyneux, Catlon, Caines, McDonald.

Goals: Eddy (71) 1-0.
Referee: Andrew Bennett (Okehampton).
Crowd: 368

Selected TT Forum comments:

Somerset Spur said:
Yesterdays result gave me more satisfaction,than any other home game ,this season.
It showed me that we have learnt something this season.
We were telling ourselves that after the Bideford game ,the new squad had to adjust and get used to this League.
Against Redditch.we grew up.The Brawl in front of the dugout,and the handbags that were thrown in the Shed End,2nd half,showed that Truro City can now win ugly and will not be intimidated on or off the field.
Roll on Hemel.
MidCornwall White said:
OK - maybe not a brilliant performance, but how many times this season have we played well and come away with nothing - especially at Home ?

If you look at all the successful teams they are able to 'grind' out a result - which is exactly what City did today.

I thought that on the overall balance of play, City just shaded it - Redditch were not spectacular but were no mugs - you still have to beat the 'average' sides !

Redditch probably had the better direct shots at goal, but we played some good football at times and got more 'stuck in'.

My only disappointment was the number of bookings - never a dirty match, apart from that one flare up in the first half - I never had a close view of the incident, as I was on the other side of the ground, but someone said it was a diabolical tackle on Eddy.

Another mediocre Ref - where the heck did he lose the 5 minutes for Eddie's injury to at the end of the first half - I know they have to obey the letter of the law, but I wish some old fashioned common sense would prevail at times - Joe Broad's booking for handball for instance.

So , overall, I felt it was a more spirited, solid performance - helped by some good goalkeeping by the new 'keeper and playing 2 up front from the start - you've always got a chance then to keep a clean sheet and perhaps nick a goal or 2 up the other end.

Also, a word of credit for Steve Massey - I know he has come in for a lot of criticism ( and my jury is still out on him to be honest from the team's point of view) ,but  he came over to us at the end of the game, shook our hands, and thanked us for our support - top guy in that respect !