27 December 2014

Truro City 5 Bideford 0

BIDEFORD were brushed aside by Truro City in the Evo-Stik League Southern Premier Division as they lost 5-0 in the Boxing Day clash.
Shane White, Cody Cooke and three ex-Bideford players – Matt Wright, Ben Gerring and Craig Duff – did the damage as the White Tigers extended their winning run in the league to six games.
After seven minutes, Chris McGrath’s clearance was picked up by Shane White and the wing-back slotted home to give Truro the lead.
The former Bideford partnership of Rob Farkins and Gerring looked solid at the heart of the home side’s defence as they kept close tabs on Ben Watson.
          
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The pace of Isaac Vassell, another who has turned out for Bideford, proved menacing throughout and 25 minutes in the forward snuck past Matt Villis. His shot was parried by goalkeeper Grant Fisher but Wright poked the ball into the empty net to make it 2-0.
The Robins had several good opportunities from set-pieces but they failed to provide a threat on goal before the close of the half with a lack of aerial presence.
In the second period Truro set about killing the game off as Cooke found himself free in the box and beat Fisher, who was frozen on his line, to make it 3-0 on 49 minutes.
The fourth came five minutes later as Gerring headed home from a set-piece, showing the Robins how it is done.
Truro made three substitutions on 65 minutes and the game fizzled out as Biddy steadied the ship at the back with Nick Milton replacing Sam Chaney.
But a minute from time substitute Les Afful threaded through Duff to neatly tuck away the ball and claim a romping 5-0 win for Truro who climb to fourth while Bideford remain sixth from bottom.

http://www.northdevonjournal.co.uk/Truro-City-5-Bideford-0-match-report/story-25769032-detail/story.html

CITY: Burns; Farkins, Gerring, Pugh; White, Ash (capt), Duff, Cooke (Green 65), Greenslade; Wright (Hayles 65), Vassell (Afful (65).
Subs (not used): Tully, Moore (GK).
Yellow cards: Duff.

BIDEFORD: Fisher; Sampson, Reed, Veal, Villis, McGath, Groves, Parcell (Barker 80), Watson (Squires 76), Chaney (Milton 51), Wood, Squires. Sub (not used): Harrison.
Yellow cards: Groves, McGath,

GOALS: White (7) 1-0, Wright (25) 2-0, Cooke (50) 3-0, Gerring (53) 4-0, Duff (90+1) 5-0.

Referee: Matt Eva.               

23 December 2014

Truro City 7 Histon 2

CITY came back from the shock of conceding an early goal to make it five league wins in a row as their promotion challenge continued to gather pace.
A hat-trick from Isaac Vassell, two from substitute Les Afful and one apiece from Matt Wright and Cody Cooke gave City’s fans an early Christmas present.
The home side’s performance was even more creditable as the squad had been stricken with a sickness bug during the week which had prevented them training and kept Niall Thompson and Dan Green out of the squad.
And a number of the players who did start were still suffering from the after effects.
Certainly, City made a slow start as the Cambridgeshire visitors went ahead after seven minutes, with Nick Freeman finishing well following a quick break.
However, City quickly regrouped after a dodgy 20 minutes, with Vassell heading them level after 24 minutes from Shane White’s right wing cross.
Buoyed by the goal,  City took went ahead with excellent Matt Wright’s first time near post finish from another White cross.
It got better for City before the break, with Vassell on hand to make it 3-1 after Histon keeper Denzal Gerrar lost the ball under challenge from Wright.
City began the second half in electric style with Vassell forcing the ball over the line for his hat-trick when  Gerrar found Cody Cooke’s shot too hot to handle.
Vassell, who was feeling unwell, was then replaced by Afful and he made an immediate impact, volleying home for his first goal of the season from Wright’s knock down.
At 5-2 up, City were home and dry and they  continued to create chances before Histon pulled a goal back with 17 minutes left  thanks to a smart  finish from Ashley White.
City though were far from finished as Afful and Cooke both found the net to complete another impressive win for City, who stay seventh in the Evo Stick Southern premier division table ahead of the Boxing Day visit of Bideford (3pm).
CITY: Burns; Farkins, Gerring, Pugh; Ash, Duff; White (Carlisle 71), Cooke, Greenslade, Vassell (Afful 52), Wright. Subs (not used): Tully, Moore.
Yellow cards: None.
HISTON:  Gerrar; McDonald, White, Key, Wall (capt) ( Relizano 56), Rubens, Fulcher (Libertucci 56), McGeorge, Phillips, Lowe (Clark 56), Greeman. Subs (not used): North. McCoy.
Yellow card: White.
Goals: Freeman (7) 0-1, Vassell (24) 1-1, Wright (28) 2-1, Vassell (36) 3-1, Vassell (46) 4-1, Afful (54) 5-2, White (73 ) 5-2, Afful (82) 6-2, Cooke (84) 7-2.
Crowd: 366.
Referee:  Mark Derrien.


Read more: http://www.westbriton.co.uk/Magnificent-seven-Truro-City-make-leagues-wins/story-25744911-detail/story.html#ixzz3MjgpPw32
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20 December 2014

Arlesey Town 2 v Truro City 3

IF CITY are to fulfil their promotion dream they are not always going to be able to do it in style.
And Saturday's win at the Armadillo Stadium was a case in point, as Steve Tully's side made it four league wins in a row and a sixth in seven games.
The victory was not a thing of beauty on a difficult pitch, but it was all about the three points as the visitors showed the grit they will need to maintain their challenge in what looks sure to be a very tight promotion race,
Every point is going to be precious and Saturday's three points in Bedfordshire were hard earned by a City side who were rarely at their best.
After conceding an early goal, it was always going to be a tough afternoon but goals from Matt Wright, a controversial first of the season from skipper Jake Ash and one from a rejuvenated Cody Cooke took the visitors over the line.
And even manager Steve Tully admitted they had "won ugly".
He said: "We had to dig in and grind out a result. We did not play very well and that includes me, I was poor.
"When you give a team down the bottom a goal start it always makes it difficult, but I am delighted with the three points. It is always a good sign if you can pick up the wins when you are not at your best."
There were two "new" faces in the City line up and four changes in all from the team that thrashed Hereford United in their previous outing.
In came on loan young Bristol Rovers left back Danny Greenslade and a more familiar face in central defender Ben Gerring, who has signed on non-contract terms from Conference South side Hayes & Yeading.
Manager Steve Tully also brought himself into the defence, with Cody Cooke earning a starting place after his hat-trick when he came on as a sub against Hereford. Both Ed Palmer and ever present Rob Farkins were out suspended, while Ryan Brett (foot) missed out through injury and top scorer Craig Duff dropped to the bench after a quiet recent spell.
City did not make an auspicious start, as a good finish by Kim Forsythe put the home side after 12 minutes, converting a cross from Nathan Hilaire.
But the visitors managed to regroup and got back on level terms by half time with Matt Wright heading home at the near post from a Dan Green corner after 28 minutes.
That was the way it stayed until half time, but at the start of the second half City got their noses in front when Ash forced Greenslade's corner over the line, though the home side were convinced a hand had been involved.
And when Cooke made it 3-1 with fine left footed low drive, to take his tally to four in two matches, it looked like it was going to be comfortable for City.
But the visitors could not relax as Arlesey scored a second through Hallelujah Basmel with 25 minutes left.
However, this City side looks like it is made of the right stuff as they held on for another vital three points in their last away game of 2014.

ARLESEY TOWN: Thompson; Tavernier, Willett, Powell, Sage, Longdon, Hilaire, Hatch, Forsythe, Basmel (McGovern 70), Kabuye (Summerfield 83). Subs (not used): Carr, Hackney, Charles.
TRURO CITY: Burns; Gerring, Tully, Pugh, Wright, Green, Ash (Thompson 82), Cooke, Greenslade, Hayles (Duff 57), Wright. Subs (not used): Afful, Vassell, Moore.
Yellow cards: None.
Goals: Forsythe (12) 1-0, Wright (28) 1-1, Ash (46) 1-2, Cooke (56) 1-3, Basmal (62) 2-3.
Crowd: 121.
Referee: D Appleby.
City man of the match (chosen by Steve Tully): Danny Greenslade.

http://www.westbriton.co.uk/Football-Arlesey-Town-v-Truro-City/story-25739134-detail/story.html

07 December 2014

Truro City 6 v Hereford United 0

Truro Hammer Bulls


Truro City defeated Hereford United 6-0 this afternoon with five of the goals coming in the second half.

The goals came from 42 year old Barry Hayes (2), Cody Cook (3) and Isaac Vassell.

Hereford manager Jon Taylor was 'sent to the stands' after 38 minutes  for 'some out of place comments'.
Later he was pictured just behind the dug-out. The referee then had another word or two with him after he had tried 'to relay instructions from the stand behind he dug out'.


Taylor sent to the stands but didn't have far to go. Pic - Jeff Reines, Twitter.
The defeat will be a savage blow to Hereford's aspirations to reach the play-offs this season.

According to Radio Cornwall, Hereford's day was summed by their sparse following who were singing the Beach Boys number 'I feel so broke up I wanna go home'.

Afterwards Truro manager Steve Tully gave his reaction.

"I thought the lads played really well and their second half performance deserved what happened.

"The pitch was bobbly and the way Hereford set up nullified our 3/5/2.

"We changed our formation to accomodate that and we were glad we got to 1-0 by half-time.

"And the way the lads played second half was a credit to them."

The referee gave out three yellow cards to Hereford.

However despite their defeat Hereford remain in 14th place with 29 points from 24 games.  

Attendance 421

03 December 2014

Truro City 1 Hemel Hempstead Town 2 (by Darren Kelly)

City’s hopes of reaching the first round of the FA Trophy came to an end as they lost a full blooded third round qualifying round tie in which both teams ended with ten men.
First to go after 67 minutes was Hemel defender Arthur Lee for a second yellow and six minutes later City’s Ed Palmer followed him for a challenge on Oliver Hawkins who was unable to continue.
All the goals had come in the first half, with the Conference South side’s skipper Jordan Parkes putting the visitors ahead after only four minutes with a superb 25 yard strike as City held off.
But Matt Wright, with his third goal in two matches, got City back on level terms just before the half hour when he forced the ball past Hemel keeper Laurie Walker as they challenged for a high ball.
However, Hemel regained the lead in first half stoppage time when Zane Banton finished off a fine counter-attack with City appealing in vain for offside.
In the second half City piled forward in search of an equaliser and went close on several occasions.
And when midway through the half Lee, who subsequently had to be helped off pitch, saw red following a challenge on Cody Cooke, having been booked earlier, City looked favourites to at least force a replay.
But Palmer soon followed him for his tackle on Hawkins , as City surrendered their numerical advantage.
And hard though they pushed the home side could not find the net as they threw everything into attack as they saw their five match winning streak come to an end.
TRURO CITY: Burns; James (Afful 81), Tully, Pugh, Farkins, White, Green, Palmer, Duff, Hayles (Cooke 58), Wright (Vassell 75). Subs (not used): Moore (GK).
Yellow cards: Wright, Farkins, Hayles.
Red card: Palmer (73).
HEMEL HEMPSTEAD: Walker; King, Lee, Parkes, Asafu-Adjaye, Diarra, Sanders, Daly, Hawkins (Connolly 76), Banton (Reynolds 54), Potton.
Goals: Parkes (4 ) 0-1, Wright (29) 1-1, Banton (45+1) 1-2.
Yellow cards: Walker, Parkes, Hawkins, Asafu-Adjaye.
Red card (Lee (67) two yellows
Crowd: 379.

http://www.hemelfc.com/s/match-centre-3808/0-2763653

23 November 2014

DUNSTABLE TOWN 1 TRURO CITY 2

THE EVO-STIK SOUTHERN LEAGUE- PREMIER DIVISION

DUNSTABLE TOWN 1 TRURO CITY 2 HT 0-2 ATTENDANCE 191

TRURO PROVE TRUE TO FORM

Despite the inconsistency of their play, beleaguered Dunstable have some cause to regard themselves as unfortunate not to have snatched a draw as adequate reward for their late pressure, exacerbated by a controversial and indeed pivotal incident late in the game. But it must be said that for a considerable period it did look set that the points would be going to the Cornish side.

Truro City, placed just outside the play-off positions, were making their maiden visit to Creasey Park, (where the weather obligingly became quite cheerful as their posh coach arrived). Their coach driver performed a wonderfully assured piece of parking and brushed off praise by telling me ‘you could get a bus through there.’ Such confidence percolated through to the team who instigated a game plan that proved initially effective but maybe they were surprised at the late resurgence from Dunstable, after they scored their compensatory goal.

With accustomed regularity I report another signing for the club, and it looks a good ‘un as well - one Inih Effighog and lord help me I hope I have the spelling correct, since the splendid fellow scored our goal. Ben Herd was back after injury and resumed as captain and he had a decent game as well.

After their incomprehensible defeat at Biggleswade Town in the Red Insure Cup, where possession and goal attempts matched the embarrassment of failing to convert a plethora of chances, it was felt that today might be the day to stop the bum-clenching run of successive defeats. But oh lordy we beat ourselves up again – yet there was still enough to suggest that sooner or later we are going to give some team a good hiding.

We began well enough, with some slick moves that were not sustained. I had wondered why Truro City had the nickname of The White Lions, since their home strip is all red. I asked one of their chaps of the origin of such an appellation. ‘ I doan’t know matey’ was the reply in that lovely west country accent. Then I had a partial answer as, despite my listing Truro as playing in all red, they turned out in all white, the cunning bounders.

Such cunning was applied to the visitors’ style of play, which was one of early containment, with some rather tall fellows in defence, and then some spirited counter play that looked both purposeful and dangerous. But for me David Hutton looked a likely lad as his play was full of joyous intent and the better chances fell to Dunstable.

It is not entirely imaginary to suggest that when you are on a bad run that lady luck turns her haughty back upon you, and this was the case following a corner when Steve Tully cleared a McKenzie-Lowe header off the line. JML did fond the net in an undisputed off-side, but had that chance been successful it may well have altered Truro’s approach.

Truro had seen a glancing header from Craig duff go inches wide, and a chance set up by former professional Barry Hayles was defended by Shane Blackett. Scott Davies had a free kick that was achingly just wide – but my notes stated a tight squeeze. Truro did not allow an inch of space for their hosts and they challenged efficiently and countered at pace.

Adam Watkins was foiled a little by the bounce and saw his shot blocked and an optimistic lob from Hutton was cleared. There was no direct evidence yet of Dunstable’s falling away from accuracy and earnestness that marked their play once they had conceded. After seventeen minutes a parried shot fell to Blackett who did not clear adequately and Matt Wright supplied a neat finish to put the Cornish club ahead. Yes, it was downright Dunstable again – to call the shots and then concede through imprecision.

This worked to Truro’s advantage as they seamlessly gathered the initiative and began to look a much superior side for the rest of the first half. Dunstable were not devoid of ideas but had little chance to execute them thoroughly as they were repeatedly outwitted and forced into errant passing.

First touches were too heavy, some promising passes went astray for the same reason and it seemed Biggleswade all over again. But Truro were indeed, in my view a more comprehensive unit than our county neighbours.

Their effective containment of Dunstable and the hustling nature of their play induced errors from their hosts. As well as that the Truro corners were much more suggestive of a goal than Dunstable’s despite the latter’s variety.

It was a set-piece that led to the second Truro goal and it was a peach. Ed Palmer’s masterful free kick was met smartly by Matt Wright whose efficient conversion had the ring of ‘that’s the way to do it.’ So, Dunstable, for the second time in a week were two goals to the bad and prone to home supporter discontent on a vocal scale that could not be ignored.

On this note mention must be made of Truro’s simply magnificent support. It was loud, it was optimistically jubilant but lacked some originality. To chant that Dunstable is ‘just a bus stop near Luton’ is wearisome, and the forecast that they were ‘the famous Truro City an’ we’re goin’ a Wemberlee, ah Wemberlee, ah Wemberlee’ may have referred to the( unrelated )FA Trophy.

For future reference they might have sung ‘you’ve never won in the Trophy’ at us, which would be factual if a little hurtful. But let me be plain here, I admired both the numerical support as well as the noise they made. But there were a couple of ‘bads’ namely the employment of flares or smoke bombs, and the perhaps unintentionally partial disassembly of our covered terracing behind the goal with rhythmic banging to amplify the chanting.

I do not deplore such exuberance as these chaps had come hundreds of miles and when you think we took half a dozen supporters to nearby Biggleswade it puts such things in proportion. The damage was on inspection relatively superficial, but the real damage was something I will refer to later.

The smoke did not begins it dolorous drift until the second half and I did think that maybe one of those monk chappies had nipped in to add tragedy to the occasion with a protesting suicide. But what was there to say for Dunstable to the interval? Marsh shot wide but then again Palmer fired one over the bar. Maybe the second period would produce better things if managers Reeves and Croft had delivered a collective admonition, identifying the areas of needful improvement. Reevo was upbeat and nicked more biscuits from the boardroom than he usually does. (Some chaps put cigarette ends behind their ear, Reevo puts chocolate digestives and custard creams). ‘We'll get there, son,’ was his comment to me although he is considerably my junior in years.

What worried me was how Dunstable could liberate themselves from the effective containment evidenced by Truro. The likelihood of scoring three goals and not conceding further was not really a betting option, but the resumption of play did see a vastly improved showing from Dunstable, even if once more they fell short of their ultimate aim.

An initial move from Watkins and Gregory saw McKenzie –Lowe head wide again. Watkins has the kind of earnestness I have always admired but he wears his playing heart on his sleeve and does get easily rattled – yet I feel he has the right attitude, The latest recruit, Effiong, the ex Chesham united player who needs games in order to flourish, was brought on as substitute for JML, who although industrious was getting little change from defender Arran Pugh.

Patient in possession, Truro continued to lord it, but there was some evidence of this being eroded by good old fashioned guts and grit. It was a pity that spontaneous moves ended so poorly with passes a tad too heavy or an underestimation of the ability of defenders to get a boot in the way, elegantly or otherwise. A May free kick was eventually put over the bar ‘Well done Maisie’ was a voice from the terraces and I wondered if Danny May has been burdened with such a sobriquet for all of his tender years.

Then the smoke drifted from the terraced end, appeared to be photographed for prosperity and later led to acrimonious words from Truro officials to their own supporters. The Truro team sat on their lead to some extent, but as Dunstable began to get forward with increasing purpose they employed the obvious tactic of breakaway attacks that involved Dunstable keeper Luke Chambers in a couple of brave and neatly executed saves.

Ben Herd had a couple of tricks up his sleeve, one being a neat little lob forward that produced a goal chance and another being a deceptively sliced back pass that had Chambers hot- footing off his line through the drifting fumes to declare an all clear. All we needed here was the siren that bloke from Harlow used to have and we would have had an atmospheric setting.

Frustration was evident, with Scott Davies thumping the turf with accompanying blood-curdling epithets that a dangerous foul had been overlooked. But there seemed no way through this white wall of a defence from Truro. Their manager was not entirely happy in the dugout at his team’s stepping off the gas and at one stage he kicked the wastepaper bin and then apologised to it, and this made me glad that I am not the only one to apologise to inanimate objects.

Marsh had pace and endeavour, but his efforts were largely unsuccessful despite the promise. Shane Blackett improved vastly on his first half waywardness. Two goal hero Wright was replaced by Vassell and Dunstable found new hope by forcing successive corners of fair quality – but alas so was the defending. Effiong was impressing but one assisted pass from herd was just troo heavy for the debutant.

Shane White of the White Lions seized on an unconsidered trifle and almost caused a final bit of mayhem, but was thwarted smartly by Blackett. Then what we if the home contingent were waiting to see finally happened – a clinical move converted successfully. It was a combinative move from Watkins and Marsh with the cross picking out Effiong who thus scored on his debut. May we see many more (and soon, please chaps).

It was sixty-nine minutes, it was 2-1 and despite the Truro confidence, an equaliser could not be seen as improbable. Dunstable were eager enough but still prone to error perhaps because of this eagerness. They were, of course, vulnerable to the counter – especially when substitute Les Afful cut through ion the right and the resulting cross needed to be smothered. It could have been 3-1 but Chambers did the business. He also saved another fine effort from Dan Green. But these Truro counters were beginning to play second fiddle to the resurgent Dunstable who really did their utmost to draw level – and if they had it would have been a deserved draw.

Davies shot and Burns was down low to save. Corners flew in and clearances had a growing feverishness about them but as is often the case a controversial moment robbed Dunstable of the point they merited.

On the attack, there was then a whistle from the referee as he adjudged that Farkins has received a head injury and the rules are clear here. Play must be stopped. Some shouted that there had been simulation but importantly the impetus was lost as the referee sorted matters. His decision to take play back territorially speaking was perhaps unsound, as was his eccentric ‘bounced ball,’ to restore play.

I spoke to the referee about this and he went into great detail regarding his decision which I very politely questioned. I offered the view that maybe he ought to have done the bounce up a lot quicker and if the surrounding players had contested as angrily as he had thought then a quick free-kick would suitably punish or restore the advantage. To my surprise all three officials had agreed that this strategy might have worked. It was not my original thought but it was one employed by a referee in another game as a practical way out of the problem. I was told that Truro had intended to pass the ball back to Chambers who had advanced almost to the half-way line.

Dunstable had lost the impetus and the cries of gamesmanship took a long while to simmer down. It was a far from pleasant ending and supporters made their views heard, when the whistle went and Dunstable had slipped to an eighth successive defeat.

But the events were far from over. The Truro Chairman was not at all pleased with the flares/smoke sticks and also with the as yet unascertained damage to the covered end. Whilst dispensing the food in the boardroom, the Truro supporters’ club guru entered uninvited and began a rough exchange of views with his own chairman, who quite rightly hustled the fellow outside where the blistering views continued unabated. The supporters’ club rep felt it was wrong for his colleagues to be criticised after their great show of support. The chairman was of the view that it was not acceptable to let off flares and cause damage however superficial.

I suggested to our chairman his counterpart was right. Mr Dance blew the froth from his pint of Forsyte Saga and said ‘the chairman is always right.’ So some empathy there, in a way. But of more serious concern to me was the great distress shown by a Truro supporter who felt, with some justification, that he had been the subject of a wrongful accusation by a home official. He had driven from Truro and had shown his support and had been poorly treated. It was far from pleasant to see this fellow lose his dignity in tears and in particular because this incident was avoidable with the employment of just a bit of tact or diplomacy.

Defiance comes from the guilty not such obvious distress, and thus it was an unsettling end to what is after all, just a game of football. To the Truro supporters I will say you were magnificent but would suggest politely that if noise is desirable then a drum or two and a vuvuzela or three might help achieve the desired effect and would also put less stress on already fragile structures. An individual invading a board room is just unacceptable under any circumstances.

Well, with that game concluded and no points again, we need to learn that it is not enough merely to deserve the points, but we must win them. And who are up next? Our old friends from Hitchin Town on Monday and then a trip to Chesham. In fact we face a number of successive away games until the next home one which is Hereford United.

Eight successive defeats eh? Yes, and for many of us we have been there before and surely this slump in fortune must be halted soon? See you at Top Field and let us show our support for the team who need it now more than at any point in the season so far. Keep the faith.

DUNSTABLE TOWN

Luke Chambers, Ben Herd, captain, cautioned, Danny May, cautioned, Luke Ruddick, Shane Blackett, Steven Gregory, Adam Watkins, David Hutton, Jamale McKenzie-Lowe, (Inih Effiong – GOAL 69 minutes, Scott Davies, Christopher Marsh. Subs not used – George Legg, GK, Nick Beasant, Ryan Hope and Kai Gardner.

TRURO CITY

Charlie Burns, Steve Tully,Gedeon Okita, Arran Pugh, Rob Farkins, cautioned, Ed Palmer, Dan Green, captain, Shane White, Matt Wright, man of the match, TWO GOALS, 17 and 26 minutes, (Isaac Vassell , 55 minutes, Barry Hayles, cautioned, Craig duff. Subs nit used – Kyle Moore, Nial Thompson, Myles James.

Referee Paul Howard, assisted by Anthony Duffy and Simon Maynard

http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/dunstabletownfc/forum/pipemans-reports-20142015-47781/truro-true-to-form-667471.html#p667471

17 November 2014

Witham Town 0 v Truro City 1 (Report from Witham)

after a long pitch inspection the referee declared the game could go on so we had a scrappy game in the muddy conditions ,just edged by truro. they dominated the first half with cody cooke hitting the side netting early in the game , and with witham keeper martyn guest making good saves from ryan brett and craig duff . withams best efforts came in a good spelll just before half time , when after a good run through the city defence ellis brown shot wide and conor mead shot over .
ht 0.0
there was a dramatic start to the second half when martyn guest was sent off with a straight red when hauling down ryan brett craig duff took the resulting penalty and blasted the ball way over the cross bar ,like they do at twickenham and bought a chorus of sweet chariots from the home supporters .Paul King took over the keepers shirt for a while but then sub keeper brad king eventually took over. now down to ten men this seemed to inspire witham and they played well, but after some good attacking moves could not find the finishing shot on target and the visiting keeper charlie burns had an easy afternoon. the all important goal came in the 88th minute when brad king who had previously made a couple of good saves palmed the ball to duff who forced the ball over the line near the far post. witham never gave up and were still attacking in time added on and the pitch held up well.
we wish truro city fc good luck in the next round
gv

http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/withamtown/s/match-centre-72355/2-22648

09 November 2014

ST NEOTS TOWN 0 TRURO CITY 2

One totally unnecessary first half moment of madness effectively condemned St Neots to their third home reversal of the season as Truro returned home with their first victory over the Saints in four meetings.  
            It was the same old story as St Neots recovered to totally boss the second half hitting the crossbar and seeing two shots cleared off the line but the superbly drilled visiting defence held out under constant pressure and in the final minute of the game Truro mounted their only second half attack to twist the knife with a second goal.  
            However with hindsight there was not too much to criticise in St Neots overall performance for they created enough second half chances to have won the game at a canter but they were denied any reward by a combination of bad luck, good defending and at times indifferent finishing.   
            For the second time in recent matches St Neots started with an unchanged line up and there was the encouraging sight of striker Chris Dillon on the bench alongside recent addition to the squad Tom Ward. Truro’s second half tactics of conceding space and inviting St Neots to find their way through their packed defence as they ‘parked the bus’ worked a charm and St Neots must quickly learn their way through this obstacle if they are to taste serious success this season.
 
            Both sides could have scored in the first three minutes as the unmarked Matt Spring headed wide as he met a Ben Ford cross and play quickly moved to the other end where Matt Wright was played clear but the approaching Paul Bastock out of his area did enough to force him to place his shot at the unguarded goal a yard wide. St Neots then settled quickly despite the driving rain and both Lewis Hilliard and Nathan Frater found the side netting after good work both times by Drew Roberts. Dave Deeney then headed wide from a Spring corner and Roberts contrived to blast wide after a Spring free kick had been spilled by Charlie Burns. On the break Wright saw a close range effort smothered by Bastock but after 21 minutes disaster struck.
            Dribbling away from goal Jay Davies spurned several chances of playing a short pass to a colleague eventually giving the ball to the experienced Barry Hayles.   He looked up and sent a perfectly weighted pass for Craig Duff to run clear and beat Bastock with a low drive. St Neots were finding it difficult to utilise the wind in their favour with too many forward passes going straight to the goalkeeper although Hilliard did get the ball in the net after a slick three man move only to be ruled offside.   As the rain ceased the wind abated and strangely the pace of the match dropped and there were few further significant chances before the break.
 
            From the start of the second half the Truro tactics were apparent. They conceded space with ten players behind the ball as St Neots attacked and were clearly bent on sitting on their narrow advantage. Faced with almost all the possession St Neots was unable to press home their advantage although chances came and went. A Drew Roberts header from a Josh Bickerstaff cross was well saved by Burns and then the excellent visiting centre half Rob Farkins was perfectly placed to hack the ball off the line when Nathan Frater’s shot had beaten Burns. Truro further stiffened their defensive formation pulling off Hayles who had been their only second half attacker and then the unlucky Frater saw his shot go over the keeper but land on top of the crossbar.
            Substitute Lorenzo Ferrari, on for Ford, was quickly in the thick of the action seeing Ed Palmer block his close range shot and after 76 minutes St Neots looked to have levelled when Burns was beaten by a shot from Roberts but once again Farkins was on the line to clear and keep the Truro goal intact.
            In the last eleven minutes St Neots threw everything into attack sending on substitute Chris Dillon for his first appearance since his injury on 9th August but despite having three up front it was all in vain. Ironically two Truro substitutes combined for the late second goal as Les Afful set up Cody Cook with the St Neots defence absent.
 
 
St Neots: Bastock, York, Bickerstaff, Ford, Deeney, Hoyte, Davies, Spring, Nolan, Roberts, Hilliard
Subs: Ferrari (for Ford 71), Dillon (for Deeney 79), Cracknell, Farrell ands Ward.
Cards:  none
Goals:  none
 
Truro:  Burns, Pugh, Brett, Ash, Farkins, Palmer, White, Lowry, Wright Hayles, Duff
Subs:   Cook (for Hayles 63), Afful (for Duff 83), Green (for Wright 83), Tully and Moore.
Cards:  Ash (Y – 62), Lowry (Y – 83)
Goals:  Duff (21 mins), Cook (90 mins)
 
Attendance: 299
 
Referee: Nigel Phillips (Witchford, Ely)
 

05 November 2014

TRURO CITY 3 EGHAM TOWN 0

F.A.TROPHY FIRST ROUND QUALIFYING
SATURDAY 1 NOVEMBER 2014
TRURO CITY 3 (2) EGHAM TOWN 0 (0)
Scorers: Craig Duff 2 (6 (pen), 69), Ryan Brett (24)
.
Egham Town’s singular history in this competition continued with this long-distance loss at Evo-Stik Premier Truro City on Saturday. The Sarnies have played eight ties in the Trophy, winning three at home and losing every one of their five away games. To be honest, this was the toughest assignment yet, a 550 mile round trip to a side sitting in 6th place a division higher.
The length of the journey was always going to rule out one or two players, left back Jake Galbraith one such, and skipper Ryan Lake was also unable to make the trip. George Gould, the custodial hero of the win at Uxbridge, paid for his excellent display with a leg injury so was unable to climb aboard the coach that left Runnymede Stadium at 08.30.
Lee Morley had a day to forget. En route to the game the coach stopped at a motorway service station and he lost his card in a cash machine. Six minutes into the game his was the hand that touched the ball in the Egham area, allowing Craig Duff to score from the spot. Morley was also booked. In the 32nd minute he had a goalbound header cleared off the line by Arran Pugh, with whom he later had the collision that forced his departure at half-time, taking a blow to the bridge of his nose.
Under very overcast skies that threatened but did not deliver a downpour (thankfully, as most of the seating at Treyew Road is reminiscent of that more usually seen at golf tournaments – roofless) the standard of football on offer was not great from either side. Equally thankfully the White Tigers were not ruthless. Truro, tough tackling and very well organised, were on the front foot for the majority of the game and, as Rhod Mitchell, their correspondent for the NLP sportingly acknowledged, “proved far too strong for their Surrey visitors, who had to thank their outstanding keeper Jamie Norris for keeping the final scoreline respectable.” He even gave the Man of the Match to the Egham keeper, which was a nice touch. Norris saved from Matt Wright, diving low to his right, shortly after Truro had taken the lead, then Morley saw his header beat home keeper Kyle Moore but not Pugh. Norris saved off a Hayles shot before Ryan Brett nodded in the second. Norris then performed miracles to deny Hayles again, and then, despite a tricky deflection off an Egham boot, prevented Ed Palmer’s drive giving the home side an even bigger half time lead.
Daniel Williamson replaced Morley at half time. As in the first half the home side had the lion’s (or tiger’s) share of possession. Egham tried to break free but with Truro’s back four able to contain strikers Dan Read and Reis Stanislaus chances of getting back into contention were slim. Josh Andrew was forced to clear off the line to prevent Palmer scoring after a corner had not been dealt with and Hayles was once more denied by the excellence of Norris before the third goal went in. Sarnies’ player-manager Luke Muldowney made a brave intervention to stop the marauding Rob Farkins after 62 minutes but seven minutes later Shane White slipped a square pass to Duff and the Truro No. 11 fired into the bottom left corner of the Egham net. Mo Harkin gave way to Brendan Matthew, who had the ball in the net with a sumptuous strike that found the far corner with three minutes left, but a raised flag denied the Sarnies and their small band of travelling support even a consolation goal. At the death a combination of Norris and Dwayne Antonio prevented Dan Green adding to the scoreline.

http://www.eghamtownfcltd.co.uk/s/match-centre-39549/0-2725861

27 October 2014

Truro City 1 Cambridge City 0

A second successive home win and another clean sheet for birthday boy keeper Kyle Moore has lifted Truro up to fifth in the Southern League premier division table and right in the battle for a place in the end of season play-offs
Veteran Barry Hayles was the City matchwinner just before half time, when he headed home from close range for his fourth goal of the season.
It was another important three points for City, who travel to eight-placed Hungerford Town on Tuesday evening.
          
They wanted to build on the 2-0 midweek win over Paulton Rovers and manager Steve Tully made just change, bringing in Arran Pugh after suspension with Dan Green dropping to the bench.
It meant Tully continued at the heart of a three-man defence flanked by Pugh and Rob Farkins.
And the new defensive formation again worked as City withstood some strong late Cambridge pressure to claim three crucial points.
There was little goalmouth action in the first half with Ryan Brett coming closest for Truro with a low drive which fizzed just wide.
And the breakthrough came in the final minute of the half, when Cambridge failed to clear a free-kick and the ball fell kindly to Hayles with  the veteran calmly headed into the empty net.
Boosted by the goal, Truro started the second half strongly, but found Cambridge keeper Harry Reynolds in great form as he produced fine stops to deny first  Shane White and then Dan Green who had replaced Les Afful at half time.
City though could not find a second goal and as the half wore on Cambridge started to apply some pressure with sub Andy Phillips just unable to get his head to a cross and then heading wide from a cross by Oliver Emsden.
Truro though defended resolutely  in depth and with some sound handling by Moore, who was celebrating his 19th birthday, ensured the victory, leaving Cambridge without a win in nine matches.
CITY: Moore; Farkins, Tully, Pugh; Afful (Green h-t),  Lowry (Cooke 66), White, Ash (capt), Brett, Hayles (Vassell 57), Wright. Subs (not used):  James, Searle.
Yellow cards: Hayles (39)..
CAMBRIDGE CITY: Reynolds; Lewis, Day (Phillips 58), Vilcu, Chaffey (capt), Harradine (Phillips 68), King, Juliusson, Kelly, Bacon, Dawkin, Sub (not used): Midgley.
Yellow cards: Vilcu (41), Bacon (45) Julisson (45+3).
ADVERTISEMENT
Goal: Hayles (44) 1-0.
Referee: Adam Penwell.
Crowd: 384.


Read more: http://www.westbriton.co.uk/Hayles-heads-Truro-City-fifth-table/story-23510246-detail/story.html#ixzz3HMv8nptJ

23 October 2014

Truro City 2 v Paulton Rovers 0

IN HIS pre-match programme notes, City boss Steve Tully said he wanted his team to start "winning ugly" and his wish was granted at a windswept Treyew Road on Tuesday evening.
In a game which rarely rose above the ordinary City chiselled out a deserved and much needed win to arrest their recent slump in form which had seen them lose four games out of their last five.
It was a night which fortune favoured the home side as Paulton lost keeper Kyle Phillips midway through the first half with concussion and with no recognised reserve keeper midfielder Brandon Barnes had to take over in goal.
And a mistake by the unfortunate Barnes early in the second half saw him punch a Jamie Lowry inswinging corner into his own net to give City the breakthrough.
City then missed a chance to seal the points when Tully skied a penalty over the bar before substitute Isaac Vassell put the result beyond doubt with a neat lob in the first minute of stoppage time.
City though will not care how the win came, but were just grateful to get back to winning ways after their recent troubles.
Another bonus was that they managed only their second clean sheet of the season.
As assistant manager Wayne Carlisle said: "It is a result business and all about three points. The weather did not help the performance and when you have lost four out of the last five you will take any help you get."
After conceding another three goals at Biggleswade on Saturday and with Arran Pugh suspended, Tully brought himself into the centre of a new look three-man defence, flanked by Rob Farkins and Shane White.
Dan Green also returned after missing the Biggleswade game through injury, though Jake Ash kept the captain's armband. Barry Hayles was brought back to partner Matt Wright in attack, as Craig Duff (suspended) and Vassell (bench) dropped out of the starting line-up.
In difficult conditions the game was never going to be a classic, though City did look the more likely in the opening half.
They might have taken an 11th minute when Hayles could only blast over after keeper Kyle Phillips lost the ball as he tried to claim a cross.
Sadly for the Paulton No1 he suffered concussion in the incident and had to go off ten minutes later, Barnes taking over in goal and Josh Klein Davies coming on as a sub.
Soon after City also had to make a change as they lost Ryan Brett with a hamstring twinge and Chris Long took his place.
But City were unable to pressurise the stand-in keeper enough, though Barnes had to be alert to prevent an own goal after mistake by a Paulton defender.
At the other end Kyle Moore was rarely troubled in what was a dour opening half.
With the wind now in their favour, City started the second period well and Barnes's mistake broke the deadlock after 54 minutes.
The home side were well on top with Matt Wright shooting wide, while Vassell had a "goal" rightly ruled out for offside.
City needed a second and should have got it 15 minutes from time when Mike Bryant was penalised for what looked like a good tackle on Wright to concede a highly debatable penalty.
But perhaps justice was done as Tully's spot kick was blasted well over the bar, which meant a anxious finale for the home supporters on a chilly night.
City had to survive a couple of heart stopping moments as the visitors battled for an equaliser, but held firm and when Vassell made it 2-0 with a neat lob in the first minute of stoppage time it was game over to give the White Tigers their first league double of the season, having won 2-1 at Paulton back in August.
Now the question is whether they can put together a meaningful run of results, starting with Saturday's visit of Cambridge City (3pm).


Read more: http://www.westbriton.co.uk/Truro-City-v-Paulton-Rovers-mathc-report/story-23380380-detail/story.html#ixzz3GzLcdgz5


Read more at http://www.westbriton.co.uk/Truro-City-v-Paulton-Rovers-mathc-report/story-23380380-detail/story.html#1KIXQsqSvB5pEXju.99

20 October 2014

Biggleswade 3 v Truro City 2 (by David Simpson)

Its a very long road from Truro to Biggleswade and Truro showed the effects of the long journey. The match that finished with such a crescendo took a little time to burst into life. Neither keeper were much troubled in the first 30 minutes. On 34 a crossfield ball from Ian Rees to Zane Banton whose trademark is fast becoming goals. His dazzling run past 4 defenders only stopped when the ball hit the back of the net. Another 6 minutes and Banton was at it again as he became supplier to Kevin Bossman who has scored in his 3rd in 3 starts for the Waders thus far. At 2-0 Biggleswade were cruising and at ease with the 3 points coming their way.

The second half saw Truro not wanting a miserable journey home and pushing forward. The crowd lost count of the point blank saves made by Ian Brown, in goal for the Waders. It was actually 5. World class, as he kept his side in the game. All change as Conner Roberts was sent off for a last man challenge. Biggleswade changed the formation and for20 minutes kept Truro at bay. In time added Craig Duff pulled one back from close range and but 60 seconds later Matt Wright got the equaliser but.............There was another throw of the dice as an Lee Allinson free kick midway into Truro Territory found the head of Loick Pires, the ball like a bullet hit the back of the net and that was on 90+4 minutes.Truro hearts broken, there was no real time left but to saver what we had all just witnessed.

http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/biggleswadetownfc/s/match-centre-118660/1-1016771

15 October 2014

Tiverton Town 1 v Truro City 2

Truro City came from behind to book their place in the second round of the Red Insure Cup at Tiverton Town on Tuesday night.
Dan Green (33) and Barry Hayles (48) grabbed the goals for City, who provided the perfect response after Saturday’s 4-1 defeat at home to Cirencester Town.

An entertaining first half didn’t start well for Steve Tully’s men, who fell behind after 12 minutes when Tiverton’s Jimmy Hinds flicked home Matt Bye’s cross.
The home side continued to create openings and Kyle Moore, who had earlier tipped Owen Howe’s powerful drive over the bar, was relieved to see another Howe effort deflected over the bar by defender Shane White.
But after Truro’s best spell in the game they drew level in the 33rd minute through Green. After his initial shot was blocked, the midfielder followed up to drive the ball home from close range.
And it was Green who came to Truro’s rescue before half-time when he cleared off the line from the lively Howe.

In contrast to the first half, Tully couldn’t have asked for a better start after the break when Hayles struck in the 48th minute to put City 2-1 in front. It was a smart finish from the experienced front man who fired across Tiverton goalkeeper Chris Wright.
Tiverton looked for an immediate response and they almost got it when Jamie Mudge went for goal only for Moore to produce a fine one-handed save.
The home side continued to put pressure on the City goal and Howe squandered another opportunity when he fired narrowly over the bar.
At the other end Wright had to be alert to keep Isaac Vassell at bay as City looked for a third goal that would surely settle the tie.
And after Vassell saw another effort go narrowly wide Tiverton should have been level with the best chance of the night when Jimmy Hinds somehow failed to find the target with an open goal at his mercy.
Green had a chance to wrap it up in injury time when he came within inches of scoring, but just moments later the final whistle blew as City enjoyed a return to winning ways in Devon.

Tiverton: C Wright, I Furness, J Searle, M Bye, E Weeks, T Gardner, E Phillips, J Richards, O Howe, J Hinds, J Mudge. Subs: D Western, J Howe, G Rogers, L Mortimer, J Wannell.

City: K Moore, S White, R Brett, J Ash, R Farkins, A Pugh, D Green, J Lowry, B Hayles, I Vassell, C Duff. Subs: M Searle, M Wright, L Afful, C Cooke, K Parker.


Read more: http://www.westbriton.co.uk/Football-Truro-return-winning-ways-Tiverton/story-23164025-detail/story.html#ixzz3GDwDNrjj

13 October 2014

Truro City 1 - 4 Cirencester Town by Dave Pyzer

Cirencester made the long journey to Cornwall for their latest league fixture to meet 7th placed Truro City.

There were a couple of changes to the starting eleven when compared with the last couple of games with central striker Bobbie Dale joining the Club on loan from Cheltenham Town for a month and Mark Pritchett returning after serving his suspension. As a result Ellis Dunton and Jacob Davidge took places on the bench alongside Ben Wells, Shayne Anson and Brad Hooper.

The weather forecast had predicted rain but Cirencester kicked off in perfect conditions for football and immediately attacked down their right flank - with Gethin Jones cutting back onto his left foot and crossing to the back post but too long for his team-mates to reach the cross.

This was followed by a narrow escape at the Centurions' end when a cross from their left flank travelled across the front edge of the 6 yard box without a connection from the defence to reach Craig Duff who had his shot blocked.

Cirencester were taking the initiative with Truro counter-attacking and in the 6th minute Truro opened the scoring when a break down their right flank produced a cross that Mark Pritchett managed to deflect with his head but as Glynn Garner came out to catch the ball he was nudged enabling Craig Duff to dart in and score.  1 - 0.

This encouraged the home side and they began to look more assured and some determined defending was required to keep a couple of efforts at bay following a free kick on the visitors left flank.

Cirencester continued with their patient build up and after a series of passes between Ben Prictor and Ed Williams the ball was fed to Jamie Reid who switched play to the right flank and a supporting Jones who over-hit his cross to the back post.

A similar build-up involving Prictor, Reid and Williams on the left created an opening that Prictor drove through and once in the penalty area he sent a low cross from the bye-line that was deflected out for a throw-in on the right flank.

The Truro response was a long ball over the top to Dan Green, on the right side of the penalty area, his low cross was gathered at the 2nd attempt by Garner near his front post. Garner then launched the ball downfield where his counterpart, Mike Searle, advanced, miss-kicked the ball and stumbled on the front left edge of his penalty area but fortunately for him his defence covered and cleared the danger.

Shortly after this another long ball behind the home defence created problems for Shane White who was immediately put under pressure by Williams and the defenders header resulted in a corner. The corner kick was collected by Jones on the right and after twisting and turning he managed to create the space to cross the ball back towards the back left post where Leigh Henry was just unable to reach it.

Before the half time interval Truro mounted a couple of breaks down their right flank - the first of which ended when Matt Wright laid the ball back and behind the supporting Green. The second break ended when Isaac Vassell miss-controlled the ball, on the right side of the penalty area, with Wright and Green in support and in space.

Half Time:   1 - 0

Five minutes into the half Truro were awarded a free kick 5 yards outside the penalty area, slightly left of centre, that Duff and Ryan Brett lined up to take. Eventually Duff took the kick but drove it well over the crossbar.
Three minutes later Bennett made a strong run down the right side of the Truro penalty area and when his cross was cleared it fell to Reid who made a run down the same channel before pulling the ball back but again it was intercepted and kicked out of the box to be fed back in again. As Searle claimed the ball he collided with Mark Pritchett who was injured.  
Truro responded immediately and Garner saved a fierce shot from Duff, who had been released into space on the left side of the area by a Vassell header, with his legs at the near post.
Cirencester then enjoyed a period of pressure and once ended, the struggling Pritchett and Jamie Reid (who had also been injured earlier) were replaced by Ellis Dunton and Ben Wells respectively.
Truro then created another good opportunity to increase their lead when a free kick in the centre circle reached Wright in space on the right edge of the 6 yard box but he made little contact with his head and Garner was able to collect comfortably.
In the 64th minute Cirencester got a foothold in the game when Prictor and Williams exchanged a couple of passes that enabled them to reach the corner of the left flank, Matt Liddiard joined them as they retained possession and fed the ball back to Ed Williams who cut back onto his right and after a couple of ‘dummies and shimmies’ he unexpectedly curled a superb strike into the top right corner of the home goal.  1 – 1.
Buoyed by this success Williams then fired in a shot from the centre edge of the area that Searle gathered at the second attempt.
Cirencester had raised the pace of the game and this was causing some problems to Truro and three minutes later they increased their lead when Ben Wells won the ball inside the Centurions half and sent a terrific low ball in behind the advanced home defence – just right of centre – that Bobbie Dale latched onto 10 yards inside the home half, held off a recovery tackle and advanced towards goal. As he neared the area Searle came out to cut down his angles and Dale calmly tucked the ball under him to score.  1 – 2.
Midway into the half Truro mounted a period of pressure on the visitors but they held firm and in the 80th minute Jones launched a high ball to the centre edge of the opposing area that Dale controlled with an assured touch and laid off to a supporting Ed Williams who side-footed into the goal.  1 – 3.
Two minutes later the lead was further increased when Jacob Davidge, who had just replaced Bobbie Dale, charged down an attempted clearance kick from Searle and the ball ran to an unmarked Aidan Bennett who was able to strike into the empty net from 30 yards, left of centre.  1 – 4.
With seven minutes of normal time remaining the much travelled and experienced Barry Hayles, who had earlier replaced the busy Dan Green, latched on to a ball and attempted to ‘chip’ Garner but his effort landed on the top of the net.
On the stroke of full time a corner kick on the right for Truro reached the edge of the 6 yard box where it rebounded off two home players enabling Garner to gather.  

Final Score: 1 - 4

The first half was a fairly tepid affair with the two sides cancelling one another out despite their differences in style. Cirencester were the more patient in build-up but few clear chances were created whilst Truro broke quickly but lacked composure at the vital moment and were often caught ‘offside’.
Truro had opened the scoring with a ‘soft’ goal but the game changed when Cirencester increased the pace of the game in the second half.
The opening Cirencester goal was a ‘stunner’ and encouraged the Centurions to push on and the other three goals came as a result of this increased pace.
A solid team performance with everyone playing their part.
Once again Ed Williams was heavily involved going forward and James Mortimer-Jones in tidying up but particular mention must be made of Matt Liddiard’s performance as he must have covered every blade of grass on the pitch during the match.
 
Attendance: 401                                
Referee:      Adrian Tranter
 

08 October 2014

Poole Town 3 v Truro City 0

Poole blitzed Truro in an astonishing opening quarter of an hour.  After the disappointing display against Histon Tommy wanted a reaction and clearly got one.

Steve Devlin piked up the ball on the left wing and crossed the ball over, Luke Burbidge ghosted in at at the back post to tap the ball in on 10 minutes.  Only 3 minutes later Burbidge had his second when Devlin switched the ball from left to right, Burbidge picked it up moved in to space then unleashed a fierce shot that struck the post and went in.  Only 2 minutes later and Poole were 3 ahead when Burbidge found Devlin near the half way line who smashed the ball forward and it dipped just over Truro’s Mike Searle who had a nightmare first half.  Truro were clearly unsettled by this barrage and started to lose their discipline with 2 yellows before Craig Duff got a straight red just before half time.

With a 1 player advantage and 3 goal lead the expectations were high for the second half – but were dashed by a much improved Truro performance.  If anything Truro edged the second half although Poole defended well.  Truro’s Vassell had a good shot well saved by Hutchings.  From the subsequent corner a header had to be cleared off the line by Burbidge.  At the other end Jamie Whisken had a shot cleared off the line and Luke Burbidge was brought down in the box but the penalty shouts were waved away by the ref.

A good win against a team going well in the league.  I think the 3 early strikes stunned Truro and they struggled to recover. All credit to their second half performance.
Next up St Neots away – expect that to be a real challenge.

Attendance :
327

Match report by Peter Leppington

http://www.pooletownfc.co.uk/071014-poole-town-v-truro-city/

05 October 2014

Truro City 4 Banbury United 1 (By David Shadbolt)

United go down 4-1 at Truro but controversy as United reduced to ten men when leading 1-0 as mistaken identity leads to sending off of Tom Fishwick Banbury soon settled down into the game and after the first ten minutes which was fairly even they began to have the better of proceedings. On 22 minute Josh Shama got on to the end of a long ball and then bustled his way through to the edge of the Truro penalty area but having done well to create the chance he put his shot over the bar. The good spell for United continued and two minutes later Shepherd Murombedzi created a chance down the left but shot just wide from the edge of the penalty area. Truro did respond to this spell of pressure from Banbury and did up their game and really for the first time in the match began to ask some serious questions of the Banbury defence. Banbury always looked dangerous though and in the 40th minute an excellent cross from the right by Jacob Walcott was chested home from close in by Leam Howards to give them a deserved lead. Three minutes later and Truro came close to equalising when a Craig Duff shot smashed against the crossbar. The game’s main talking point occurred in the last seconds of the half when Tom Fishwick was booked for kicking the ball away. To everyone’s amazement the referee then brandished the red card thinking he had been booked earlier when in fact it had been fellow central defender Jack Westbrook. It had been an excellent first half for Banbury and they deserved their lead but they were now required to play the second period with the unjust handicap of a man short. Truro got the boost of an equaliser just four minutes into the half when Craig Duff scored. In the circumstances this was just what United needed to avoid in conceding so early. Truro were now dominant against the ten men and went in front on the hour mark when Callum White brought down a home player in the penalty area with Duff converting the spot-kick. It was now all Truro and in the 70th it was 3-1 when a corner from the left was headed home by Rob Farkins from close-in. The final goal came in the 81st minute, a low cross from the right by Les Afful being knocked home at the far post by Isaac Vassell. Who knows what would have happened if United had played the second half with a full contingent! It was a huge shame we never found out and though the match referee has accepted he is likely to have made a mistake and will cancel the bookings when he has reviewed the video evidence it does not alter the fact that the decision hugely changed the game. On the positive side the first half showing from United against a side now in fifth in place in the table was full of promise with the forward play in particular causing problems for the home side. Truro City: Kyle Moore, Shane White (Jamie Lowry 60), Chris Long, Jake Ash, Rob Farkins, Arran Pugh, Dan Green, Ryan Brett, Barry Hayles, Cody Cooke (Isaac Vassell 64), Craig Duff (Les Afful 70). Subs: Myles James, Mike Searle. Banbury United: Leigh Bedwell, Callum White, David Lynn, Marvin Martin (Carl Tappin 70), Tom Fishwick, Jack Westbrook, Jacob Walcott (Harry White 80) , Aidan Hawtin, Josh Shama, Leam Howards (Luke Cray 46), Shepherd Murombedzi. Subs (not used): Nkosi Mzungwana, Darius Browne. Attendance: 424 http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/banburyunitedfootballclub/news/truro-city-4-banbury-united-1-1304427.html

29 September 2014

Truro City 1 v Slough Town 2 (Slough Town Report)

After facing their longest away trip of the season, Slough emerged victorious from Treyew Road after coming from behind, thanks to second half goals from James Dobson and Johnnie Dyer, securing their first ever win against Truro in the process. The Rebels and the White Tigers first met in the Southern League, Division One South & West in season 2008/09, and shared six goals at Holloways Park before Slough lost 2-1 on the road later in the season. This time around, the visitors started the game in the playoff spots, with Slough looking to build on the previous weekend's victory over Bideford. Truro began well and had the better of the general play. Slough worked their way into a couple of good positions, but were unable to test Kyle Moore in the Truro goal. The hosts took the lead on 21 minutes. Striker Craig Duff latched onto a loose ball on the edge of the area, and controlled it well before smashing past Jake Somerville emphatically. In response, George Short sent a half volley whistling past the upright, but the hosts looked the more likely to find the next goal and go on to claim all three points. Indeed, Truro wasted a number of opportunities to do so, with Rob Farkins heading just wide, and just before the half time whistle, captain Dan Green lobbed over when well placed. The White Tigers continued to carry out the greater threat in the second half, with Jamie Lowry spurning another chance, as he blazed over at the far post. Truro were made to pay on 59 minutes, when James Dobson lined up to take a free kick on the edge of the area, and drilled the ball under the defensive wall and past the unsighted Moore to level the scores. As the hosts tried to regain their lead, Duff saw an effort come back off the crossbar, but Slough wasted a golden chance of their own, with Scott Harris poking the ball onto the outside of the post and wide after being played onside. But Slough did score again with twelve minutes remaining to turn the game on its head. As Scott Harris tried to get his head to a cross from Tom Moran, the ball deflected off Johnnie Dyer at the back post – and although the striker did not seem to know too much about it, he got sufficient contact on the ball to send it looping over Moore and into the net. Truro were left frustrated by missed chances, and had one final effort through Jamie Lowry, whose free kick clipped the top of the bar – but Slough were able to hold on and claim all three points. Attendance: 391 Truro City: Kyle Moore, Shane White, Chris Long, Jake Ash, Rob Farkins, Arran Pugh, Dan Green (Ryan Brett), Jamie Lowry, Craig Duff, Cody Cooke, Les Afful (Ben Watson). Subs not used: Barry Hayles, Steve Tully, Myles James. http://www.sloughtownfc.net/reports/4933/