Havant & Waterlooville 0 Truro City 0

A City, side showing seven changes from the one that drew 1-1 against Whitehawk on Tuesday, battled to the point they needed to secure fourth place in National League South in Hampshire on Thursday night.
And Steve Tully's side will now play third-placed Maidstone United over two legs in the play-off semi-final, with the first game at Treyew Road on Wednesday (7.45pm) and the second leg the following Sunday, May 8 (4pm), in Kent.
The only downside was an injury to top scorer Isaac Vassell, who had to come off ten minutes before half time after tweaking his hamstring and could now miss the play-offs which would be a massive blow to City's hopes of winning a second successive promotion.

 

City boss Tully said: "We just don't know about Vass yet, but he could be out for two or three weeks. We will just have to wait and see."
And Tully admitted City looked a tired side even before they started.
He added: "In the circumstances it was a great point, They were battling for a win and it was a tough pitch, but we got the job done. We had to make changes to try and keep some freshness but there were tired minds and bodies out there.
"Tom made some good saves when he had to and we had two or three chances to win it but we will take a point. The result of Saturday's game does not really matter now and we will see what sort of team we can put out."
McHale made only his fourth start of the season as Tully rang the changes for what was City's third game in six days.
As well as the young keeper, in came Pierce Mitchell, Arran Pugh, Aaron Bentley, Aaron Dawson, Ollie Knowles, and Isaac Vassell.
But it was McHale who was the visitors' hero as he made string of saves, especially late in the game, to deny the relegation-threatened Hampshire side who were desperate for the win which would have kept their fate in their own hands.
The Hampshire side need to beat Weston-super-Mare on Saturday and hope either Margate and St Albans City lose.
But that won't worry City, who had already secured their play-off place in the week with the draw against Whitehawk and can now relax against visiting Wealdstone in their last game of the regular season this Saturday and get ready for two huge matches against Maidstone who have done the double over them this season, as they target a place in the promotion final.
It was City's tenth draw on the road this season in 21 league games, only four of which they have lost.
Havant & Waterlooville: Young; Strugnell Cummings 9Haran 79), Lewis, Molyneaux, Hill, Swallow, Donnelly (Capt), Mullings, Robinson (Hayter 61), Barker (Paterson 52). Subs: Medway, Thomson
City: McHale; Mitchell, Pugh (Capt), Bentley (Richards 68), White; Dawson, Green, Adelsbury (Brett 75), Knowles, Jay, Vassell (Wright 35). Sub (not used): Afful.
Yellow cards : Mitchell (22), Wright (57), Dawson (60), Jay (75)

http://www.westbriton.co.uk/Havant-Waterlooville-0/story-29194813-detail/story.html

Truro City 1 Whitehawk 1

Truro City are in the end of season National league South play-offs, despite conceding a last gasp equaliser to ten-man Whitehawk on Tuesday evening.
And they now need just one point from their final two games at Havant & Waterlooville on Thursday and at home to Wealdstone on Saturday, to clinch fourth, which brings with it the chance of a home final.
In the play-offs they will meet either runners-up Ebbsfleet Utd (if they finish fifth) or third-placed Maidstone Utd (if they finish fourth), with the first leg of the semi-final at Treyew Road next Wednesday and the second leg the following Sunday May 8 in Kent.
         

Matty Jay's goal just before the hour mark looked to have given City all three points against their very physical play-off rivals, who had big defender Jordan Rose sent off ten minutes before half time for senselessly picking up two yellow cards in the space of a minute.
But in the 90th minute the Brighton-based visitors scrambled an equaliser, when top scorer Danny Mills scored from close range from a cross by substitute Jake Robinson after City had failed to clear their lines.
But despite the frustration of not being able to see the game out City boss Steve Tully saluted his players' achievement in winning a play-off spot.
"It has been a great a great achievement and we are not going into the play-offs just to make up the numbers," he said.
City's form has stuttered in recent weeks, with three defeats in their last four games, including a 2-0 defeat at relegated Basingstoke on Saturday.
But against Whitehawk they were back to something like their best and should really have taken all the points.
After a bright start by the visitors, whose play-off fate now rests with Saturday's trip to rivals Hemel lHempstead Town on Saturday, City began to get on top with Cody Cooke missing a great chance after eight minutes when he was put clear by Ben Adelsbury, but could not beat Whitehawk keeper Craig Ross.
There was then little between the teams until Rose lost his head.
The big defender was first booked for pulling back Jay and almost immediately had a wild hack at Matt Wright and was rightly shown a second yellow ten minutes before the break. giving City a big boost.
But at the start of the second period Whitehawk looked dangerous with Martin Rice saving well from Sam Rents and then David Martin.
City had chances to kill the game off with substitute Isaac Vassell on his 100th City appearance facing a great save from Ross with a close range header.
Adelsbury and Brett also went close, but Whutehawk were always a threat going forward and in the final minute of normal time City were unable to clear the ball and Robinson's cross gave Mills a simple chance to score his 22nd goal of the season, leaving City still that elusive point away from fourth.
But it is still remarkable achievement to reach the play offs after winning promotion last season, also via the play-offs.
Perhaps lightning will strike twice.
CITY: Rice; White, Ash (capt) (Dawson 46), Richards, Brett; Adelsbury, Cooke, Green, Afful (Vassell 55), Jay, Wright (Knowles 70). Subs (not used): Mitchell, McHale (GK).
Yellow card: Brett.
WHITEHAWK: Ross; Arnold, Rose, M'Boungou, Rents, West (Graham 40), Ijah (Gargan 81), Martin, Mendy, Osborn (Robinson 55), Mills. Subs (not used): Torres, Fraser
Red card: Rose (35) (two yellows).
Yellow cards: West (32), Martin (62),
Goals;: Jay (58) 1-0, Mills (90) 1-1.
Crowd: 402.
Referee; Samuel Allison
http://www.westbriton.co.uk/Truro-City-reach-National-League-play-offs/story-29181593-detail/story.html

Basingstoke Town 2 Truro City 0

Truro City missed the chance to seal their National League South play-off place as they suffered a shock defeat at already-relegated Basingstoke.
They conceded an early goal and despite plenty of pressure were unable to break down the home defence and the Hampshire side clinched victory in stoppage time through Manny Williams
A win would have wrapped up a play off spot, but City now must wait for Tuesday evening's visit of play off rivals Whitehawk to see if they can finally clinch a top five place.

But they are still in a strong position with three games left, as the only two teams who can still overhaul them, Hemel Hempstead and Whitehawk, meet each other on the final day of the season, City only need a single point, while a win will guarantee fourth.
And City boss Steve Tully said he was "desperately" disappointed that they had not been able to clinch that long anticipated play-off spot.
He said: "It was one of those days. We gave them a soft early goal and I thought we just looked lethargic. The long midweek trip to Concord Rangers caught up with us even though we made plenty of changes.
"They put ten men behind the ball and we struggled to get any tempo and could not find a way through even though we tried everything. Now we have to put it right against Whitehawk, a team who want to take our place in the play-offs.
Tully made five changes from the team that began the 2-1 midweek win at Concord Rangers, with Arran Pugh, Connor Riley-Lowe, Ollie Knowles, Dan Green and Cody Cooke returning with Jake Ash, Aaron Dawson, Ben Adelsbury, Matt Wright and Les Afful all missing out.The game began badly for City as Basingstoke went ahead after only eight minutes with Simon Dunn converting a cross from George Hallaran.City came back with Cody Cooke shooting wide and Ollie Knowles forcing a save out of home keeper Howe, while Jamie Richards also had a couple of openings for the visitors following City corners, but Truro still trailed 1-0 at the break.
After the break City used all three subs as they battled to get back on level terms and were unlucky 13 minutes from time when Ryan Brett rattled the bar with a 30-yard free-kick.
They even put Arran Pugh up front but were unable to find an equaliser and deep in stoppage time Williams put the result beyond doubt with City appealing in vain for offside
City's final two matches after the Whitehawk game are are at Havant &Waterlooville on Thursday evening at at home to Wealdstone on Saturday
BASINGSTOKE TOWN: Howe; Rice, Bird, Ray, Deaman, Gasson, Hallahan, Dunn, Jarvis, Flood, Soares. subs: Smart, Enver-Marum, Williams, Bennett, Lincoln.
CITY: Rice; White (Dawson 75), Pugh, Richards, Riley-Lowe (Afful 64); Knowles, Green, Cooke, Brett, Jay (Wright 68), Vassell. Subs (not used): Ash, Adelsbury.
Goals: Dunn (8) 0-1, Williams (90 +5) Williams 0-2.


Read more: http://www.westbriton.co.uk/Basingstoke-Town-v-Truro-city/story-29158322-detail/story.html#ixzz46kHez9LR

Concord Rangers 1 Truro City 2

Truro City took a massive step towards securing their play-off place with a tremendous win at Concord Rangers after a 300 mile trip to Canvey Island on Tuesday evening, which moved them back to fourth in the table.
They now need just two points from four matches to be sure of finishing at least fifth and so making the play-offs in National League South in their first season back at this level.
City took the lead after 22 minutes when Matty Jay followed up to score after Matt Wright's shot had only been parried by the Concord keeper.

And they doubled their advantage six minutes before half time when Shane White scored from the spot after the excellent Wright was tripped by Dowie on the right edge of the box.
But the Essex club hit back on the hour when Matt Greenhalgh broke through on the left and slotted the ball past the advancing Martin Rice.
But City held firm for a priceless win thanks in part to a superb last gasp save by Martin Rice, as they got back to winning ways after suffering two successive home defeats.
They will be hoping to wrap up a play off spot with victory at already relegated Basingstoke on Saturday when skipper Arran Pugh will be available after completing his two match ban.

On Tuesday they are at home to Whitehawk and then next Thursday travel to Havant & Waterlooville before completing their 42-match league programme at home to Wealdstone on Saturday April 30.

The City side showed three changes from the one that began the 3-1 defeat against Maidstone United on Saturday with Pierce Mitchell, Matt Wright and Les Afful coming in for Dan Green, Isaac Vassell and Cody Cooke as City boss Steve Tully freshened up his side which has looked a little fatigued recently and the changes paid off.
Tully said: "It was a big win and the changes had the desired effect. All those who came in did a great job.
"We could have been more ahead at the break and then gave them a rather soft goal. But we dug in when we had to and Ricey made a couple of crucial late saves when he was called into action.
"We are in fourth and that's where we want to finish."
To be sure of fourth City need five more points.
CITY: Rice; Mitchell (Cooke 69), Ash, Richards, White; Dawson, Adlesbury, Brett, Jay, Afful (Knowles 75), Wright (Vassell 69). Subs (not used): Green, McHale.
Goals: Jay (22) 0-1, White pen (39) 0-2, Greenhalgh (60) 1-2


Read more: http://www.westbriton.co.uk/Concord-Rangers-1-Truro-City-2/story-29140192-detail/story.html#ixzz46M7oOPtW

Truro City 1 - 3 Maidstone United

In a potential rehearsal for a play-off semi final match in a couple of weeks time, Maidstone United emerged victorious as they ensured the long trip to Cornwall was well worth it for the large travelling contingent of Stones fans. The victory also means that Maidstone will finish no lower than third place in an impressive debut season in the Conference South.
After back-to-back defeats against Sutton and Dartford, Jay Saunders made a couple of changes to the team. Bobby-Joe Taylor came in for the injured Callum Driver whilst Dumebi Dumaka and Jay May were paired together up front.
And it was Dumaka who gave the Stones the lead with just six minutes gone. A poor clearance from goalkeeper Martin Rice was cut out by Vas Karagiannis and he found Tom Mills. Mills floated the ball into the area and it was met by Dumaka who sent a looping header into the net.
Seconds later, Karagiannis tried to put Dumaka in on goal and his shot was stopped by the feet of Rice. The rebound came out to Alex Flisher whose effort was also blocked and then with 13 minutes gone Flisher should have stretched Maidstone’s lead. The Stones’ winger only had Rice to beat after he had latched onto Dumaka’s through goal but he dragged his shot wide of the far post.
The game then entered a bit of a lull before the visitors equalised. Callum Davies’ header dropped to Matty Jay who got a shot in but Davies managed to recover and he got the ball away from goal. However, Maidstone were unable to clear their lines and the ball came back out to Ryan Brett who was lurking on the edge of the area and his drive flew past Lee Worgan.
All of a sudden, Truro looked the more likely of the two sides to score again. And it wasn’t long before they created another chance as Dan Green found Cody Cooke only for Cooke to put the ball wide of the right hand post.
But with 36 minutes gone, the Stones edged back in front. Once again a long throw from Alex Flisher was to prove to be productive for the visitors and this time he hurled the ball onto the head of Jay May who rose well to nod the ball into the net.
Isaac Vassell then went close for the home side with a long range effort before Dumaka and May combined well for the Stones. May picked out Karagiannis who was on the right hand side of the area and he cut inside before seeing a shot deflect just wide of the left hand post.
However, with the game in first half stoppage time, Truro could have drawn level. Manny Parry was unable to stop Jay getting in down the right hand side only for Worgan to come to the rescue for Maidstone as he made a save with his legs.
There wasn’t much to note in the early part of the second half until not long past the hour mark when the Stones made sure of the win. A long throw from Flisher was only partially cleared to Karagiannis and he passed to Flisher who whipped in an enticing cross which was headed in by May.
Jay Saunders then replaced Dumaka, who had suffered a blow to the head in the first half, with Charles Banya and Banya went close with an effort which deflected just wide of the right hand post. From the resultant corner, Flisher’s ball in looked to have curled straight over the line before Rice pushed it out but the goal wasn’t awarded.
The final chance of the match then fell to the Stones. Some nice build up play involving May ended with Banya turning and surging to the by-line and he pulled the ball into the middle where it was met by substitute Alex Akrofi and he saw his shot deflect wide.
Truro City: Ryan Brett 25
Maidstone United: Dumebi Dumaka 6, Jay May 36, 62
Truro City: Martin Rice, Aaron Dawson (Pierce Mitchell 63), Shane White, Jake Ash, Jamie Richards, Ryan Brett, Ben Adelsbury, Dan Green, Matty Jay (Les Afful 63), Isaac Vassell, Cody Cooke (Matthew Wright 71). Subs not used: Tom Mchale, Ollie Knowles.
Maidstone United: Lee Worgan, Bobby-Joe Taylor, Tom Mills, Callum Davies, Manny Parry, James Rogers, Vas Karagiannis (Matt Bodkin 72), Dan Sweeney, Jay May, Dumebi Dumaka (Charles Banya 63), Alex Flisher (Alex Akrofi 75). Subs not used: Callum Driver, Jack Paxman

http://www.maidstoneunited.co.uk/fixture_and_result/truro-city-1-3-maidstone-united/

Truro City 1 Weston-super-Mare 3

A wretched City performance saw their National League South promotion play-off hopes suffer a setback as they were well beaten by the relegation-threatened visitors.

And after watching his side slip to what was only their eighth league defeat of the season, angry City boss Steve Tully told me in an exclusive post-match interview that "five or six players" had acted "unprofessionally" by going out on Saturday night after the game at Havant & Waterlooville had been postponed.
He said: "Weston thoroughly deserved the win. We were poor from start to finish. Some of the players let themselves down on Saturday night by being unprofessional.

"They had no energy to run about. We are at a good standard and you can't do it.
"They let themselves down, other players down, but more importantly they let the fans and chairman down and I am absolutely livid. We got exactly what we deserved."
Despite the defeat, City are still fourth in the table, two points clear of Hemel Hempstead Town, who came from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 at home to St Albans City, but have played three more games than City.
And tonight's defeat makes Saturday's visit of third placed Maidstone United even more important and Tully will be looking for a big reaction from his squad.
They will certainly have to play far better than they did against Weston, who could easily have been out of sight at half time.
The visitors went ahead in the sixth minute when Scott Wilson was put clear down the left and he calmly lobbed Martin Rice to make it 1-0.
And if it was not for Rice and plenty of good fortune the match could have been over as a contest by half time after a lethargic City performance against the pacy Somerset side who offered a real threat every time they got forward
City''s best chance fell to Cody Cooke from Matty Jay's lay off but he blasted well over as they went in fortunate to be still in the match.
There was little improvement after the break with Rice again kept busy and City rarely looking capable of drawing level.
And it came as no real surprise when the visitors went 2-0 up after 76 minutes when City skipper Arran Pugh, in his last game before starting a two match ban, turned a Joe McClennan cross from the right into his own net,
Jay did give City a glimmer of hope with seven minutes left when his header from Ryan Brett's left wing cross went in off the underside of the bar, but in stoppage time Weston broke clear with substitute Jake Mawford deservedly making it 3-1 to end a chastening night for the home side.
CITY: Rice; Dawson, Pugh (capt) (Ash 76), Richards, Brett; Knowles, Cooke, Green, Jay, Vassell (Afful 54), Wright (Duff 54). Subs (not used): Adelsbury, White.
Yellow cards: Cooke, Vassell, Knowles.
WESTON SUPER MARE: Purnell; Simpson, Fortune, Keary, Llewellyn, Cane, McClennan (Wring 85), Plummer (Pope 74), Wilson (Mawford 74), Grubb (capt), Edge
Yellow card: McClennan.
Goals: Wilson (6) 0-1, Pugh (76 og) 0-2, Jay (83) 1-2, Mawford (0+1) 1-3.
Referee: Tim Wood.
Crowd: 472.


Read more: http://www.westbriton.co.uk/Truro-City-v-Weston-super-Mare-match-report/story-29098102-detail/story.html#ixzz45h8eVKAX

Truro City 3 Dartford 0

CITY took another huge step towards securing their place in the National League South play-offs with a decisive victory over one of their closest rivals.
First half goals by Ollie Knowles (though Matt Wright claims he got the final touch) and Dan Green and a simple late effort from substitute Matty Jay secured City their tenth home win of the season.
And more importantly they now need just ten points to be sure of a play-off place and finishing fourth from their remaining seven matches.                  

City though did not have it all their own way against the Kent visitors who started strongly against a rather hesitant home side.
But it was City who took the lead after 28 minutes when Knowles swung in a free kick from wide on the left and it seemed to evade everyone as it found the far corner, though Matt Wright was adament he had got the decisive touch.
If that goal owed a touch to good fortune, City's second nine minutes later was a cracker.
Connor Riley-Lowe found Isaac Vassell down the left and he pulled the ball back for Dan Green to drill a low shot home through a crowded goalmouth from the edge of the area.
After the break Dartford came out full of purpose, but the City defence was resolute with keeper Martin Rice having little to do until the closing minutes.
Green was only denied a second by a superb save from Deren Ibrahim as City looked to put the game to bed.
Tempers sadly became frayed with Dartford having three players booked, while substitute Adelsbury also found himself into the referee's book.
City needed a third goal to be absolutely safe and it came eight minutes from time when Jay, who made a lively impression after replacing Vassell, could hardly miss after Wright headed a Green cross from the right into his path virtually on the goalmouth and he had time to turn and shoot home from point blank range.
It was game over as City completed yet another impressive victory in their hunt for a second successive promotion.
CITY: Rice; Dawson, Pugh (capt), Richards, Riley-Lowe (Adelsbury h-t); Knowles, Green, Cooke, Brett (White 86), Wright, Vassell (Jay 73). Subs (not used (Ash, Afful).
Yellow cards: Adelsbury.
Goals: Knowles (28) 1-0, Green (37) 2-0, Jay (82) 3-0.
DARTFORD: Ibrahim; Gardiner, Wynter, Vint, Wood, Ferguson (Francis 76), Hayes, Bradbrook (capt), Sykes, Cogan, Harris (Dembele 51). Sub (not used): Noble.
Yellow cards: Vint, Bradbrook, Wood.
Referee: Colin Lymer (Hampshire).
Crowd: 502.

By Rhod_Mitchell | April 05, 2016 | West Briton