LEE'S VIEW on City 1 Dartford 1
"I thought Dartford were a really good team - better than champions Woking, in fact - and so we did very well to take a point off them. The fact that we also beat them away earlier in the season once again underlines our potential, for all the difficulties we've had this season. I don't think we deserved to win on Saturday, but the way the game was going it began to look as if we could sneak the points.
"To concede the equaliser right at the death just about summed up our season! We've had no problem creating chances and scoring, but we've shipped far too many goals - nearly two a game and the second highest in the league after Thurrock. If you take away 20 of those goals, there would have been a lot more points to be had. So we must work on that in the close season and maybe bring in one or two players defensively. Defenders taking responsibility and marking their men has been our downfall.
"On Saturday, we battled hard and dug in deep. Maybe I should have done things differently in the closing minutes - keep the ball in the corner instead of sending over crosses - but the pressure was off and there was nothing to play for except pride. I can't thank the boys enough for all they've done this season, along with all the staff from the top down and all the fans who have been absolutely fantastic. This is a very special group of people. Everyone has worked fantastically hard."
Mike Truscott.
30 April 2012
Truro City column from Sunday Independent, by Mike Truscott
On a personal note, this is the FINAL "SCHEDULED" City Alert for the 2011-12 season, and my regular Sunday Independent column also now takes a break until August. To say the season has been memorable is a bit of an understatement. To have been involved in chronicling all the various events that have defined the last eight months for the club - culminating in "mission accomplished," against considerable odds - has actually felt like quite a privilege.
I'm sure many of you would agree that, in its own way, this past season must rank as right up there with the very best of them in terms of achievement. I particularly liked Mark's choice of the word "warriors" to describe the boys in Saturday's programme notes.
And I take my hat off to Lee, who must have been tearing his hair out at times but who, as well as achieving the near impossible on the field, has been unfailingly courteous and helpful with myself and all the media throughout the season.&n bsp; Certainly I have enjoyed our regular chats (at least twice-weekly). The insights Lee has given me, both from his present viewpoint and from his long experience as a professional footballer, have been truly fascinating. The club has indeed been immensely fortunate to have had such a guy at the helm at such a difficult time.
I also take my hat off to Kevin Heaney, who has, it seems, pulled any number of rabbits out of the hat since last August. I have little doubt that a) the past season has been a headache of scarcely imaginable proportions for him, and that b) by no means the whole "story" behind the club's battle for survival of late has emerged into the public domain - it's easy enough to hurl flack, but not always so wise to respond by way of public comment. Whatever your personal thoughts, let's not forget that Kevin is the guy who has made possible the very high standard of football to which we have all become so accustomed, but which just a few short years ago would have been regarded as a mad dream.
Finally, a big thank-you to those of you who have been kind enough to send me encouraging messages about the City Alerts service, and for the lively bits of "chat" I've had with some subscribers, locally and from the other side of the earth. Like my Sunday Independent column, and also for reasons totally unconnected with the club, I came dangerously close to winding up the City Alerts service around Christmas-time, but my own business circumstances have since changed somewhat - for the better - and if anything I hope to be able to upgrade the Alerts service, at least in frequency, from now on.
Lee and Kevin in particular know I'm ready, able and willing, and so (with the exception of a fair chunk of holiday time in May) I will be on hand to pass on to you all whatever news the club wants to issue, as and when, during the close season. Enjoy the break - the close season promises to be very interesting and, mercifully, footy for real will be back in no time!
MIKE TRUSCOTT
I'm sure many of you would agree that, in its own way, this past season must rank as right up there with the very best of them in terms of achievement. I particularly liked Mark's choice of the word "warriors" to describe the boys in Saturday's programme notes.
And I take my hat off to Lee, who must have been tearing his hair out at times but who, as well as achieving the near impossible on the field, has been unfailingly courteous and helpful with myself and all the media throughout the season.&n bsp; Certainly I have enjoyed our regular chats (at least twice-weekly). The insights Lee has given me, both from his present viewpoint and from his long experience as a professional footballer, have been truly fascinating. The club has indeed been immensely fortunate to have had such a guy at the helm at such a difficult time.
I also take my hat off to Kevin Heaney, who has, it seems, pulled any number of rabbits out of the hat since last August. I have little doubt that a) the past season has been a headache of scarcely imaginable proportions for him, and that b) by no means the whole "story" behind the club's battle for survival of late has emerged into the public domain - it's easy enough to hurl flack, but not always so wise to respond by way of public comment. Whatever your personal thoughts, let's not forget that Kevin is the guy who has made possible the very high standard of football to which we have all become so accustomed, but which just a few short years ago would have been regarded as a mad dream.
Finally, a big thank-you to those of you who have been kind enough to send me encouraging messages about the City Alerts service, and for the lively bits of "chat" I've had with some subscribers, locally and from the other side of the earth. Like my Sunday Independent column, and also for reasons totally unconnected with the club, I came dangerously close to winding up the City Alerts service around Christmas-time, but my own business circumstances have since changed somewhat - for the better - and if anything I hope to be able to upgrade the Alerts service, at least in frequency, from now on.
Lee and Kevin in particular know I'm ready, able and willing, and so (with the exception of a fair chunk of holiday time in May) I will be on hand to pass on to you all whatever news the club wants to issue, as and when, during the close season. Enjoy the break - the close season promises to be very interesting and, mercifully, footy for real will be back in no time!
MIKE TRUSCOTT
29 April 2012
Stoppage time equaliser denies City final win
By Rhod Mitchell, West Briton. Images Steve Rogers.
Truro City 1 Dartford 1
City were denied a winning end to their first season of Blue Square South football when the Kent side scored a stoppage time equaliser.
Barry Hayles looked to have given City all three points when he came off the bench to put the home side ahead two minutes from time.
But with virtually the last kick of the game Dartford substitute Tony Garrod gave Jacob Erskine the chance to make up for some bad earlier misses with a thumping finish past a helpless Tom Sandercombe in the home goal.
However, City still ended the season a creditable 14th in the table - a great achievement considering all their off the field distractions.
City went into the game knowing they were safe from relegation after last week's draw at champions Woking, while runners-up Dartford are the promotion play-offs this week against Basingstoke.
The visitors fielded virtually a full strength side for the game and on the overall balance of play should really have taken all three points.
But City also played their part in an entertaining game watched by a crowd of 751, which was boosted by a sizeable contingent of Dartford fans.
In the first half Martin Gritton had a shot deflected just wide while Andy Watkins shot over following a good turn.
But it was the visitors who had the better openings with Tim Sandercombe making some outstanding saves, while Erskine blazed over two great openings at the end of the half.
The start of the second half followed a similar pattern with Danny Harris and Adam Green off target when well placed, but it was Erskine who missed the best chance of the game blasting the ball over an open goal.
Watkins did force a fine save out of Louis Wells in the Dartford goal, but the game looked to be heading for a 0-0 draw when Hayles pounced on mistake by the Dartford defence to finish well after 87 minutes.
However, City could not hold on to their lead and in the third minute of stoppage time Erskine's good finish levelled the scores and denied City reaching 50 points for the season.
City: Sandercombe; McConnell, Pugh, Adams, Walker; Vassell (Afful 75), Cooke, Broad (capt) (Ash 75), Kelly; Watkins, Gritton (Hayles 66).
Yellow cards: Pugh, Broad.
Dartford: Wells; Burns, Bonner, Wilkinson, Green; Noble, Champion (Garrod 75), Bradbrook (capt), Rogers (Graham 60); Harris (Haynes 68), Erskine. Subs not used: Goo *****, Pallen.
Yellow card: Wilkinson.
Goals: Hayles (87) 1-0, Erskine 90 + 3 ) 1-1.
Referee: John Busby (Oxford).
Crowd: 751.
Truro City 1 Dartford 1
City were denied a winning end to their first season of Blue Square South football when the Kent side scored a stoppage time equaliser.
 |
| Early action in the first half |
But with virtually the last kick of the game Dartford substitute Tony Garrod gave Jacob Erskine the chance to make up for some bad earlier misses with a thumping finish past a helpless Tom Sandercombe in the home goal.
 |
| Gritts started up front with Andy Watkins |
However, City still ended the season a creditable 14th in the table - a great achievement considering all their off the field distractions.
City went into the game knowing they were safe from relegation after last week's draw at champions Woking, while runners-up Dartford are the promotion play-offs this week against Basingstoke.
 |
| Barry's late goal was not enough to win the game |
The visitors fielded virtually a full strength side for the game and on the overall balance of play should really have taken all three points.
But City also played their part in an entertaining game watched by a crowd of 751, which was boosted by a sizeable contingent of Dartford fans.
 |
| Broady captained the team |
In the first half Martin Gritton had a shot deflected just wide while Andy Watkins shot over following a good turn.
 |
| Scotty's normal style |
But it was the visitors who had the better openings with Tim Sandercombe making some outstanding saves, while Erskine blazed over two great openings at the end of the half.
The start of the second half followed a similar pattern with Danny Harris and Adam Green off target when well placed, but it was Erskine who missed the best chance of the game blasting the ball over an open goal.
 |
| Baz McConnell turns a Dartford defender with ease |
Watkins did force a fine save out of Louis Wells in the Dartford goal, but the game looked to be heading for a 0-0 draw when Hayles pounced on mistake by the Dartford defence to finish well after 87 minutes.
 |
| Isaac Vassell makes an impressive start |
However, City could not hold on to their lead and in the third minute of stoppage time Erskine's good finish levelled the scores and denied City reaching 50 points for the season.
 |
| Arran climbs high |
City: Sandercombe; McConnell, Pugh, Adams, Walker; Vassell (Afful 75), Cooke, Broad (capt) (Ash 75), Kelly; Watkins, Gritton (Hayles 66).
Yellow cards: Pugh, Broad.
Dartford: Wells; Burns, Bonner, Wilkinson, Green; Noble, Champion (Garrod 75), Bradbrook (capt), Rogers (Graham 60); Harris (Haynes 68), Erskine. Subs not used: Goo *****, Pallen.
Yellow card: Wilkinson.
Goals: Hayles (87) 1-0, Erskine 90 + 3 ) 1-1.
Referee: John Busby (Oxford).
Crowd: 751.
Dartford carnival comes to Truro
An attendance of 751 at Treyew Road is a reasonable crowd - however a good 200 of them were travelling Dartford fans. And they were here to party! Several made a long weekend of it, sampling the delights of the city since Thursday night. The advance party recce'd the town and didn't take long to work out where the best places were. The Crab & Ale house was renamed as a new suburb of Dartford! Below are some of the images from the carnival.
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| Copez mingling with the fans, as he does best. |
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| Eric from Tavistock raising funds for the Marie Curie cancer charity. |
Supporters' Player of the Season award
Below are some images taken after the Dartford game. Colin Carter presents the Gillian Alderman trophy to Jake Ash, surrounded by fans and team mates.
27 April 2012
Lee Hodges wants to end on high
Source: West Briton
LEE Hodges wants his Truro City side to end a difficult season on a high with a good performance and result against Dartford at Treyew Road on Saturday (3pm) in their final game of the season.
City finally and beyond all any mathematical doubt ensured their Blue Square survival with a battling 3-3 draw at champions Woking on Saturday (see page 124).
But Hodges does not want to end City's first campaign at this level with a defeat against the league runners-up who are involved in the promotion play-offs next week.
He said: "I am not sure how they will be approaching the game but all I am worried about is how we perform.
"It has been a fantastic achievement to ensure we stayed up with a game to go and the boys have done brilliantly.
"It has been a long slog and while we can relax a bit we want to finish on a high and send our supporters who have been marvellous all season away with a smile on their faces."
Hodges will then get down to the business of his squad for next season.
But one player definitely leaving is right back Barry McConnell.
The 35-year-old former Exeter City defender has made 178 appearances for City since signing for the start of the 2008-09 season, scoring 21 goals, almost exclusively from the penalty spot.
This season he has been a virtual ever present in the No 2 shirt, making 39 league starts and one appearance from the subs' bench, missing just one game through suspension.
Hodges said: "Barry has been a fantastic servant but we felt it was time to perhaps go in a different direction and I am sure he will find another club as he still wants to keep playing."
Hodges will be speaking to the rest of the squad shortly to see who wants to stay and who wants to go.
"We are thinking what do we need for next season and have a plan of attack but I need to know the players' feelings."
For Saturday's game City will be hoping to complete a notable double against the Essex club, who they beat 2-1 earlier in the season.
But Stewart Yetton (suspended) and Marcus Martin (illness) are definitely missing, though it is hoped that skipper Jake Ash will have his stitches out from a head wound sustained in the game against Bromley and be available to take his place in the squad.
"Everyone will get a game," said a relaxed Hodges.
LEE Hodges wants his Truro City side to end a difficult season on a high with a good performance and result against Dartford at Treyew Road on Saturday (3pm) in their final game of the season.
City finally and beyond all any mathematical doubt ensured their Blue Square survival with a battling 3-3 draw at champions Woking on Saturday (see page 124).
But Hodges does not want to end City's first campaign at this level with a defeat against the league runners-up who are involved in the promotion play-offs next week.
He said: "I am not sure how they will be approaching the game but all I am worried about is how we perform.
"It has been a fantastic achievement to ensure we stayed up with a game to go and the boys have done brilliantly.
"It has been a long slog and while we can relax a bit we want to finish on a high and send our supporters who have been marvellous all season away with a smile on their faces."
Hodges will then get down to the business of his squad for next season.
But one player definitely leaving is right back Barry McConnell.
The 35-year-old former Exeter City defender has made 178 appearances for City since signing for the start of the 2008-09 season, scoring 21 goals, almost exclusively from the penalty spot.
This season he has been a virtual ever present in the No 2 shirt, making 39 league starts and one appearance from the subs' bench, missing just one game through suspension.
Hodges said: "Barry has been a fantastic servant but we felt it was time to perhaps go in a different direction and I am sure he will find another club as he still wants to keep playing."
Hodges will be speaking to the rest of the squad shortly to see who wants to stay and who wants to go.
"We are thinking what do we need for next season and have a plan of attack but I need to know the players' feelings."
For Saturday's game City will be hoping to complete a notable double against the Essex club, who they beat 2-1 earlier in the season.
But Stewart Yetton (suspended) and Marcus Martin (illness) are definitely missing, though it is hoped that skipper Jake Ash will have his stitches out from a head wound sustained in the game against Bromley and be available to take his place in the squad.
"Everyone will get a game," said a relaxed Hodges.
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