Truro City 1 St Albans 2

 

See Match Highlights Here:  http://www.thenationalleague.org.uk/match-info/match-centre/1-2850638

The Saints made the long journey back from Cornwall after collecting all 3 points, thanks to two late goals from Sam Merson and Charlie Walker which rewarded an excellent performance against a strong Truro City side.

The Saints created the better chances throughout the game as the midfield trio of Sambou, Noble and Monlouis worked hard to retain possession and prevent their opponents from getting into their stride. The full backs also worked well down either flank and both Banton and Murrell-Williamson had a number of half chances in the first half but saw their shots either saved or fly wide or over. Sam Merson also capably led the line up front as he kept the pressure on the Truro defence as he leapt to challenge any ball in the air.
When Truro were able to work the ball into the Saints area, the Saints central defence partnership of Tariq Moore-Azille and Percy Kiangebeni combined well to prevent any clear chances on goal. However, it was Truro who came closest to scoring in the first half when the referee awarded a free kick just outside the Saints penalty area for handball against Ben Herd. The Truro number 9, Tyler Harvey, struck the ball well and over Zane Banton in the Saints wall but his shot struck the inside of Snedker’s near post and bounced across the goal and away to safety.
Truro created a chance shortly after the restart when Niall Thompson did well to create an opening for himself but his shot flashed just wide of the Saints goal. However, the Saints continued to threaten and Merson gave them an indication of what was to come when he got in behind their defence but his volley flew over.
In the 67 minute Ben Herd picked up the ball and worked his way in from the right flank before chipping the ball over the Truro defensive line for Merson to run onto the ball and hit a shot across Tom McHale. The shot initially looked like it would not trouble the Truro keeper but the ball squirmed past an outstretched hand and rolled into the net to give the Saints the lead.
And it was another Truro defensive slip that provided Saints’ substitute Charlie Walker with the chance to put the Saints further ahead. In the 81st minute, Ben Gerring attempted a back pass to McHale but his kick was both underhit and misplaced, allowing Charlie Walker a clear run in on goal and he calmly slotted the ball under McHale and into the open goal.
Truro responded by bringing on the veteran striker Stewart Yetton and player coach Chris Todd – who was pushed up front alongside Tyler Harvey. The Saints looked to be coping with the pressure well until the 91st minute when Truro pumped a long ball forward and Todd and Moore-Azille came together on the edge of the area and both tumbled to the ground. The referee, , decided Moore-Azille had committed a foul and didn’t hesitate in awarding a penalty to Truro. Tyler Harvey stepped up and sent Snedker the wrong way and pull a goal back for Truro.
However, Truro were unable to muster any further meaningful attacks and the Saints saw the game out to gain a well deserved victory that put them back in the promotion play off places in 7th position, just six points off the leader’s Dartford.

https://www.stalbanscityfc.com/truro-city-1-saints-2/