20th Feb 2010

GOAL FEST 1!

TRURO 1st’s 6 – 4 BATH BUCCS

Truro School saw a goal-fest in an intriguing encounter which saw man of the match Nick Curnow scoring five of the home side’s goals, with Capt Ben Eddy adding to his tally.

After a recent resurgence in form, Truro went straight for the jugular, going ahead inside 3 minutes, when possession was wrestled off a Bath defender by Charlie Goldsworthy whose subsequent pass led to Curnow grabbing his first. Bath though hit back straight away with a soft goal which caught Truro cold in defence. However, Truro took the lead again when Nick Curnow's persistence paid off when he took on two of Bath's defenders before neatly slotting home. Bath again, drew level at 2-2, with an amazing 4 goals being scored in the first 15 minutes.

The game couldn't continue in this fashion and as both defences started to tighten up, the game became more focused in the midfield. The Cornish side grabbed a goal moments before the break when Curnow found the top corner with a fine finish. Truro were happy to go into the break with the lead but knew that Bath were strongest going forward so attack would be there best form or defence.

The second half got underway with Truro scoring their fourth of the afternoon with Tom Parsons finding Curnow with only the goalkeeper to beat which he did. Capt Eddy then scored Truro's fifth when Steven Matthew’s pin-point pass gave him the chance to slot home.

Bath mounted a small come back and scored two goals of there own and with 10 minutes still left on the clock there was some strains from the Truro team. Those worries were short-lived when Curnow finished the game off with his fifth of the afternoon.

Truro next travel to Robinsons A and will be hoping their renewed form continues.

 

13th Feb 2010

BACK TO WINNING WAYS

TRURO 1st’s 5 – 1 FIREBRANDS

Truro got back to winning ways with a convincing but ill-tempered encounter with their Bristolian rivals. For the first time of 2010 they had a full strength squad to pick from and took advantage of poor opposition. However, the Cornish side will also feel as though they should have scored more, with obvious chances being missed at regular intervals.

The first half was controlled by Truro who rarely broke a sweat, Lewis Sanders and Dave Powell broke up any threat of a Firebrands attack and Tom Hobbs in the Truro goal was totally redundant. The home side took the lead when Charlie Goldsworthy scored after, man of the match; Robin Kendall flew down the wing and set Goldsworthy up for his first of the afternoon. Nick Curnow, who making a come back after injury, grabbed a second after continued pressure on the Bristol goal paid off, smashing the ball into the roof of the net.

The second half was ill-disciplined from both sides, with the umpires struggling to keep control of boiling tempers. Truro had two players sin-binned as did Firebrands, with Sam Dunstan and Josh Pearce spending time on the bench. Truro however, continued to score at regular intervals and Nick Curnow grabbed his second when he struck home from an acute angle.

Firebrands did grab a consolation through a penalty corner, when Tom Parsons on the post was unable to keep the ball from crossing the line. This seemed to inspire Firebrands, who had a 5 minute spell in which they looked menacing but some solid defending from full-backs Alexander Money and Marc Lewis ensured any danger was snuffed out. Goldsworthy grabbed his second of the afternoon when he converted a penalty flick after Curnow had been brought down in the area. Curnow then completed his hat-trick when a flick was fired in past a diving goalkeeper.

A much needed three points keeps the hope of promotion alive and Truro will hope for more of the same when they come up against Bath Buccs next Saturday.

 

6th Feb 2010

PROMOTION CHANCE LOOKING PERILIOUS, PART 1.

EXETER UNI 4 – 2 TRURO

 

Truro's bad form continued with another successive loss which sees them drop into fourth spot.

Truro who dominated the first half of the season were uncharacteristically shaky at the back with all Exeter's goals coming from individual errors. The first half was a stalemate with both sides not wishing to take many chances to find the opening and their cautious approach didn't make for great viewing.

The second half however, came to life when Truro took the lead in the 55th minute when an explosive break from Robin Kendall found man of the match Charlie Goldsworthy who smashed home to take the lead. Truro, who to their credit continued to press Exeter to find a second but were caught short at the back with Exeter scoring the equaliser. The following five minutes Truro collapsed and conceded three further goals which ensured the three points were not coming back to Cornwall.

Steven Matthews scored in the dying minutes from a penalty corner which only acted as a consolation. Truro face bottom of the table Firebrands next week and will be hoping for a morale boosting win against the leagues whipping boys.

 

31st Jan 2010

MORALE BOOSTER

TRURO 1st’s 10 – 0 PENZANCE 2nd’s

 

On Sunday, Truro hosted Penzance A in the quarter finals of the County Cup which proved to be a morale boosting win for the Premier Division 2 side. Truro has a strong link with Penzance having four current players in their squad who came through the Penzance ranks in Captain Ben Eddy, Charlie Goldsworthy, Sam Dunstan and Nick Curnow, who was unfortunately missing through injury.

With 6 divisions between them, Penzance made it difficult in the early stages for Truro but the home side’s quality was telling when a quick one-two between Tom Parsons and Ben Eddy left a hole in the Penzance defence. A hit across goal was dummied by Ged Millward and found Goldsworthy in acres of space who converted from close range. Goldsworthy went onto score three more with other goals coming from Robin Kendall (2), Ged Millward (2) and Steven Matthews (2). Truro now progress onto the semi-finals with an eye on the final and hoping to achieve their fifth year as county champions.

 

30th Jan 2010

FRUSTRATION IN BRISTOL

WESTBURY 3 – 1 TRURO 1st’s

 

Truro threw away the opportunity to keep the pressure on the top two with a physical encounter against Westbury in Bristol. Truro, who had beaten Westbury 3-0 earlier in the season were out of sorts all day and only have themselves to blame for their dismal performance.

The first half was a relatively even affair with both sides having chances but narrowly missing. Westbury took the lead through sloppy defending when Sam Dunstan failed to stop a ball from being crossed into the path of Westbury striker. Truro hit back moments later when Captain Ben Eddy converted past Westbury goalkeeper with a deft touch. Truro hadn’t learnt any lessons and found themselves down again when the defence were caught on the counter and the extra man in attack proved decisive.

The second half with Truro trailing by a goal was dominated by Truro but with Westbury’s backs against the wall, they got everyone behind the ball. The Cornish outfit found it difficult to convert their possession and territorial advantage. As the game went on Truro continued to push for the equaliser which left holes at the back and were punished when a quick counter-attack was converted by the home side ensuring a miserable journey home.

 

23rd Jan 2010

A POINT IS STILL A POINT

SWINDON 2–2 TRURO 1st’s

Missing their Capt and centre back, Truro made the long trip to Swindon this weekend. With a bare eleven and changed formation, Truro looked shaky during the opening clashes of the game, which led to a long period of domination from Swindon. Fortunately, the Cornish defence were up to the task, soaking up the pressure, until the first goal was conceded to a well taken Swindon short corner, despite goalkeeper, Tom Hobbs’ best efforts.

Strikers Nick Curnow and Charlie Goldsworthy were unlucky not to capitalise on a few chances, but Truro remained one goal behind at the half time interval.

The short reprieve seemed to awaken the Cornish side, who came out fighting, keen to give a better account of themselves and to have a crack at coming home with something to show for the day. Just ass Truro seemed to be getting themselves on top of the home side a quick counter attack from the Swindon right wing tore the defence apart, before slipping the ball to his centre forward to slot home, putting the home side two in front.

Truro responded strongly with a period of composed hockey, principally orchestrated by Man of the Match, Tom Parsons. Building from the back, a confident drive down the left wing by Goldsworthy led to a defence splitting pass, straight to Robin Kendall who, poised at the top of the Swindon D, drove the ball into the far corner of the goal.

This was the boost Truro needed, encouraging them to play more confidently. This new found optimism led to several chances being created, but unfortunately to no avail, until in the last minute of play they won a short corner. An Alex Money cross resulted in Kendall scoring his second with a chest high cut into the back of the net. Despite considerable argument from the Swindon defence, the goal stood much to Truro’s relief when the final whistle blew only moments later.

Although disappointed not to have secured the win, under the circumstances Truro were still happy to of gained another precious point and are looking forward having a full side next week away to Westbury.

16th Jan 2010

AGGRIEVED OR RELIEVED?

TRURO 1st’s 2 – 2 BATH BUCCS A

Truro missed out on the chance of moving into second spot after a controversial afternoon at Truro School. Truro who were without three key players in Alex Money, Robin Kendall and Nick Curnow, were faced with an up-hill fight from the off but produced a fine performance and were aggrieved not to have taken all three points which would have put them in pole position for promotion. 1st team debuts were given to Marc Lewis, Steve Liddicoat and the recalled Ged Millward, all did exceptionally well in place of their missing counter-parts.

In the reverse fixture Truro lost to Bath 4-2 at the start of the season in September before going on an unbeaten run that still continues today. Bath who were relegated from Premier Division One the season before are a highly skilled, athletic team and Truro knew this from the off when the Wiltshire side were stroking the ball around effortlessly however with Truro's high line they were not able to get the ball out of their own half. Bath did eventually take the lead mid-way through the first half when their left winger came inside to create some space for himself and found Bath player Mills at the top of the penalty area who slotted home neatly. Truro made several good chances of their own but shots from Steven Matthews and Charlie Goldsworthy narrowly missed. Matthews did bring the game level just before half time when he stole in behind the Bath defence and wrong footed the goalkeeper to smash home.

The second half Truro started sluggishly but endeavoured all the same, this being the first game back after the winter break there were some tired legs out there. Bath seized the initiative and again took the lead when Truro's were out-numbered at the back. Within minutes, man of the match Matthews, found the net again with a lift over a sprawling goalkeeper. Truro had more chances when Goldsworthy and Millward both missed half-chances. In the dying minutes Truro had a shout for a blatant penalty turned down when a Matthews shot was cleared off the line illegally by a Bath defender but both Umpires hadn't seen the incident clearly enough of given the decision either way so a corner was given to Truro who would have walked away with all three points.

Truro are away at Swindon this coming Saturday and welcome back the three missing but are without Captain Ben Eddy and stalwart centre-back Lewis Sanders.

 

12th Dec 2009

TOUGH DRAW ON THE ROAD

GLOUCESTER CITY 2-2 TRURO

With Gloucester City top of premier division 2 and Truro in second place, this was tipped to be a crunch match. After an unfortunate 2-1 loss to Gloucester first game of the season, Truro were keen to make a comeback having tailed them for the first half of the season by 4 points.

Gloucester led the first ten minutes, with Truro unable to keep the ball or string a number of passes together. Eventually Truro got their rhythm going, with a number of long balls often connecting with Nick Curnow, who rattled their defense on a few quick counter attacks. Gloucester also had a number of breaks which didn’t seem to be taxing to a fairly solid Truro defense led by Lewis Sanders.

Towards the end of the first half Truro won a short corner, Steven Mathews strike was cleared only as far as Curnow who’s first shot was saved but he followed up with a fantastic reverse shot to hit the back of the net. Truro led the first half 1-0 leaving Gloucester a bit dazed and frustrated.

Truro’s second half got off to a good start but didn’t stay that way for long. Gloucester had their first goal of the game form a short corner after some poor marking in defense. Charley Goldsworthy, Curnow and Mathews were proving to be very dangerous on the break and with 12 minutes to go Truro got a second goal with a great strike from Josh Pearce.

For a short while it seemed Truro had it in the bag, but a number of poor tackles resulted in a 2 player’s sin binned. With only 9 men on the pitch and some poor decisions made from the umpires, Truro were badly on the back foot leading to another Gloucester goal. Truro managed to hold on to a draw though as Gloucester turned up the attack in the final minutes.

With this result Truro are leapfrogged by Bath, dropping to 3rd, but have their Wiltshire rivals as their first match of the New Year and will be hoping to return to 2nd.

 

28th Nov 2009

CLOSE, BUT 8th WIN IN A ROW

TRURO 2 - 1 MARLBOROUGH

Truro survived a late revival from Marlborough to register their eighth league victory in a row keeping them in 2nd place in West Premier 2.

Both sides were poor for long periods of the game with the Cornish side missing several chances in the first 10 minutes but finally took the lead when Nick Curnow drilled home from Robin Kendall's lay-off. Steven Matthews doubled the advantage after finding himself free in the penalty area and from an acute angle he found the bottom corner. With David Powell filling in for the injured Lewis Sanders, who hobbled off after 15minutes with a gash on his knee, Marlborough hadn't so much as registered a shot on target with the impressive make-shift back line doing fantastically However, both sides were feeling the effects of the weather, making mistakes all over the pitch in both attack and defence.

The second half brought even worse weather, Truro were again guilty of missing several key chances and with Marlborough had reorganized, getting a couple of shots on target. With 10 minutes left on the clock, ‘man of the match’ Tom Hobbs was at last called into action in the Truro goal, saving impressively but this was a sign of things to come. Marlborough did grab a goal back after a succession of short corners, which eventually found a way past Hobbs and continued to pressure for some sort of result.

Truro managed to hold out but will come away glad that a performance like that didn't come up against some of the teams higher in the division. This will serve as a wake up call as they face Swansea away next week who are notably stubborn but beatable opponents.

 

21st Nov 2009

LESSON TAUGHT

TRURO 1st’s 5-1 ECV HORNETS

League newcomers ECV Hornets were given a lesson in deadly finishing as Truro racked up yet another win in what is becoming a very impressive season so far. Truro had already beaten Hornets twice in pre-season tournaments and already had an edge over their Devonshire rivals.

The game was keenly contested throughout the pitch but it was braces from Steven Matthews and Charlie Goldsworthy and another for season leading goalscorer NIck Curnow which proved decisive. Steven Matthews opened the goalscoring with his first from a short corner which he dispatched cleanly into the bottom corner. Hornets then drew level when they caught Truro out on a counter attack. This however was their only real chance of the game as Charlie Goldworthy gave Truro the lead once again when he had a tap in after another rapid ball across the front of goal from wing-back Alex Money.

The second half Truro really imposed their dominance as further goals from Goldsworthy, Matthews and Curnow gave the Cornish side a convincing win. Truro are looking in fine fettle and with the leagues bottom club Marlborough visiting next week they are hoping to earn another three points.

 

14th Nov 2009

PEARSON OUT BUT STILL TRURO WIN

TRURO 1st’s 3-1 ROBINSONS

Truro climbed to second in the table with their sixth straight win in atrocious conditions at Truro School. It wasn't all plain sailing with the injury to influential playmaker Michael Pearson who is now unlikely to feature again this season.

Robinsons are a better side than their present form suggests and fought hard all afternoon but Truro had the better chances and took them when they presented themselves. The Cornish side missed a number of opportunities with the best falling to Nick Curnow who found the Robinsons goalkeeper on his game and up to any threat. Curnow did eventually break the dead lock when he wrong footed the goalkeeper and slotted neatly into the bottom corner. Moments later Michael Pearson broke through the defence but pulled up with a suspected hamstring rip which ended his day.

The game's dynamics changed with the loss of Pearson and Robinsons found their way back into the match early in the second half when they scored from a penalty corner that was given away cheaply from the Truro side. Truro again took the lead when man of the match Robin Kendall in typical fashion broke down the Truro right and set up Charlie Goldsworthy who scored another goal in his debut season at Truro. Robinsons had chances but Tom Hobbs stopped everything in the Truro goal. Ben Eddy then wrapped up proceedings when Josh Pearce found him unmarked in the D and he finished past the Robinsons goalkeeper.

Truro were delighted with the sheer guts and determination they showed in order to win this potential tricky fixture. Hornets are the next to travel to Truro on Saturday at Truro School.

 

7th Nov 2009

COMEBACK KINGS

BATH BUCCANEERS 2-4 TRURO 1st’s

Truro came from two goals behind to leap-frog their Wiltshire rivals into third spot in Premier Division 2 after an entertaining game in Bath. Truro goals came through wingers Robin Kendall, Charlie Goldsworthy, with a brace from season-leading goal scorer Nick Curnow.

Truro started very sluggishly, giving away possession cheaply and lacking a flow to their game. Bath were gifted the ball in the Truro midfield and two passes later were a goal up after a sharp strike past Truro goalkeeper Tom Hobbs. 10 minutes later Bath extended their lead with a speculative effort that found its way through a crowd of players into the net. It was unusual for Truro to start so poorly but a combination of Bath taking their foot off the accelerator and Truro upping their game got them a goal back with minutes left of the first half a Mike Pearson strike was turned into the Bath goal by Kendall.

The second half was a very different story to the first, with the Cornish side dominating in midfield, chances were coming thick and fast, and when Ben Eddy robbed a Bath defender he passed to Curnow to bring the scores level. Bath were notably less effective at finding their men, with Truro pressing everything their work rate was immense. It was no surprise when Truro took the lead when man of the match Curnow grabbed his second with a neat turn and finish past the Bath goalkeeper. Truro wrapped up proceedings when Charlie Goldsworthy scored his fourth of the season when he shot from an acute angle to find the inside of the netting. Truro had more chances to improve their lead but closed the game out with Bath chasing shadows.

Truro welcomes Robinsons to Truro School this coming Saturday and are in confident mood of picking up more points.

 

31st Oct 2009

8 NIL DEMOLITION

Firebrands 0-8 Truro

Truro romped to victory with an empathic victory over their Bristol rivals with their biggest win of the season so far. A hat trick from man of the match Nick Curnow, braces from Steven Matthews and Tom Parsons and a solitary goal from Captain Ben Eddy ensured a successful day for the Cornish side.

The Greens created a glut of chances and in the 15th minute Ben Eddy turned a defender and slotted through the goalkeepers legs to start proceedings. For Truro's second Steven Matthews collected on his reverse to place the ball in the back of the net. Truro were playing the ball around the park exceptionally well, with Lewis Sanders transferring the ball across the park he kept opening holes in the Firebrands midfield and found Tom Parsons who smashed home. With goals coming freely, Steven Matthews scored his second of the game when Michael Pearson rang rings around the Firebrands defence and played in a free Matthews who hit a first time strike into the bottom corner. Nick Curnow scored his first when Robin Kendall outpaced the 'Brands left back and crossed for Nick to calmly prod home.

The second half started in clumsy fashion when Truro lost concentration momentarily and gave their Bristolian counterparts a half chance but with this stark warning Truro again upped their tempo and continued to dominate the game. The Cornish side were patient in finding their goal scoring form in the second half and Curnow grabbed his second when he was faced with an advancing goalkeeper and he again slotted home. Tom Parsons scored his second of the afternoon when he hit straight from a penalty corner. With the last action of the game Nick Curnow scored finished off his hat-trick with a penalty corner flick that sailed into the roof of the net.

With goals and results starting to string together Truro travel to Bath to continue their form and push up the table.

 

26th Oct 2009

TRURO ON TRACK AGAIN

TRURO 1st’s 2-1 EXETER UNI

Truro came from behind to beat league leaders Exeter University to extend their winning steak in premier division two. Goals in each half from Robin Kendall and Charlie Goldsworthy ensured victory over a youthful and strong Exeter Uni side.

The Uni side were unbeaten so far this season, having claimed four wins in four and scoring freely against their recent opposition. Truro had returned to winning ways after a poor start and were starting to show some of the confidence and swagger which has seen them finish 4th in the last 2 years.

However, Truro were guilty of some sloppy hockey in the opening periods but Sam Dunstan and Lewis Sanders stood strong to withstand any Exeter attack. The game was limited on clear chances with midfields and defences seemingly on top but both sides probed for a goal. Sam Dunstan receievd a sun-binning for an infringement and with Truro temporarily down to 10 men Exeter took full advantage and took the lead when Truro were overloaded in the heart of their defence. When Truro were restored to their full complement they scored their first through Robin Kendall who deflected a Steven Matthews strike into the back of the net.

The second half was again a tight affair with chances limited, Exeter Uni were playing the more attacking hockey, pushing Truro back and forced some last ditch defending from wing-back Alex Money. Truro caught their Devon opposition on the counter when Robin Kendall in typical fashion burst down the right wing after a visionary ball from Michael Pearson. Kendall found Charlie Golsworthy all alone in front of goal who struck a reverse strike just inside the netting. With only minutes remaining Truro had their backs to the wall but Exeter couldn't find a way through their resolute defence. The Cornish side emerged victorious and was delighted with all three points.

The Cornish side travel to Bristol rivals Firebrands next week hoping that their form continues away from home.

 

17th Oct 2009

TRURO BACK TO THEIR BEST

Truro 3-0 Westbury

Truro made it two wins in two with a controlled and assured win at Truro School against Bristolian rival Westbury. Truro welcomed back recent absentee Dave Powell to their defence in a man of the match performance with a fine display of solid defending.

Westbury who were promoted the previous season from Premier Division 3 had some half-chances but it was Truro who had the cutting edge in front of goal and made life difficult for their rivals all afternoon. Truro took the lead when Robin Kendall’s shot deflected into the path of Steven Matthews who calmly finished past the Westbury goalkeeper. Truro doubled their advantage soon after, when a goal-mouth scramble led to Nick Curnow scoring his second of the season. Westbury had a penalty flick awarded with minutes remaining in the first half but Richard Chynoweth made a fine save low down to his right to keep their two goal advantage in tact.

The second half was again calmly controlled with some half-chances for the Cornish side but they failed to capitalize. Truro did make life difficult for themselves when Robin Kendall was controversially sin-binned when he was adjudged to have taken his man out after he played the ball but even with 10 men Truro still looked just as strong. Nick Curnow had to go to hospital and later received 8 stitches in his mouth when the Westbury goalkeeper saved from Steven Matthews with the resulting deflected ball ending up hitting Curnow in the face. The home side wrapped things up when Charlie Goldsworthy scored an opportunistic chance to finish the tie. Truro will take many positives from the game and know that they have still a few gears to move up into when they come up against tougher opposition.

With Truro heading in the right direction in the league they will have their title credentials tested when they entertain top of the table Exeter Uni to Truro School on Saturday.

 

10th Oct 2009

THIRD TIME LUCKY

TRURO 1st’s 3 – 1 SWINDON

After losing their first two games, Truro got their first win of the season in a convincing win at home to Swindon, Truro needed this win and will be delighted to get points on the board to get their campaign properly underway. Truro can direct much thanks to their defence who stood heroically and to man of the match Tom Hobbs who in his third game for the club had an outstanding game saving almost everything. With Sam Dunstan and Lewis Sanders at the heart of the defence, they quashed every threat Swindon threw at them and deserved a clean-sheet but for an unfortunate slip from Dunstan.

Truro started the match competitively with Tom Parson's bossing the midfield taking the lead after 20 minutes when Nick Curnow made good inroads into the Swindon defence setting up Parsons, who's rising shot neatly found the top corner to an eruption of celebration from the home side. Despite Tom's goal being an early contender for goal of the season the score stayed at 1-0 for much of the game until mid-way through the second half. Michael Pearson scored Truro’s 2nd from a reverse stick strike which was dispatched into the bottom corner with great accuracy. Swindon pulled a goal back with 5 minutes to go when Tom Hobbs was left exposed at the back and a Swindon striker found the net to make it a potentially nervy ending for the home side. However, within moments of the re-start prolific goal scorer Steve Matthews smashed the ball home in typical style to settle any nerves. With the game won, Truro played out time with a possession game until the final minutes.

Truro hope to make it two in two when Westbury travel to face the Cornish side next week.

 

3rd Oct 2009

3GOALS BUT NOT 3 POINTS

TEAM BATH BUCC’s 5-3 TRURO 1st’s

 

Truro’s second defeat in their opening two games will prove some cause for concern but there were still some positives to take from this their first away game of the season. Bath Buccs were relegated from Prem 1 last year and were going to be a force to be reckoned with, possessing some good individual talents along with being a well drilled side. The Cornish side who always look strong going forward can lament the amount of individual errors in their defence that gifted Bath most if not all of their goals.

 

Truro were slow out the blocks and Team Bath was passing the ball around confidently on their home pitch with Truro chasing shadows at times. When they did wrestle the ball back from their opposition they wasted possession with speculative passing which lack assertion. Bath took a two goal lead with one notable good strike from their centre forward finding the bottom corner. Truro started to find their feet and began to play some hockey with debutant Charlie Goldsworthy working well down the left wing who cut through the Bath defence to set up Nick Curnow with his first of the season. The rest of the half was played out in mid-field with both Tom Parsons and Captain Ben Eddy vying to get on top of their opposition.

 

The second half was important as they knew the next goal was important but some individual errors in defence and a Lewis Sanders sin-binning gifted Bath two goals which at 4-1 looked like an up-hill struggle. Truro to their credit kept knocking on the door and came back when a Nick Curnow strike found James Westaway on the back post to nudge in. Truro scored another soon after when man of the match Ben Eddy’s reverse strike shot eluded the goalkeeper and found the back of the net. Truro pushed for an equaliser and thought they found it when Charlie Goldsworthy’s fine solo run and finish was chalked off due the umpires noticing a minor infringement. Truro kept pushing and Robin Kendall, rapid as ever burst though the defence but his final ball found the goalkeeper who saved smartly. Truro kept pushing but were caught on the counter when Bath put the final nail in the coffin when they scored their fifth in the closing minutes of the game.

 

Truro face Swindon next week at Truro school and will be hopeful everything comes together with 3 points very much needed.

 

26th Sept 2009

LAST MINUTE DISASTER

TRURO 1st’s 1-2 GLOUCESTER CITY

Truro were left to rue missed chances on the opening day of the hockey season as Gloucester City stole victory in the final minute of the game. In what proved to be a thoroughly entertaining start to Truro’s campaign a number of players were guilty of not being able to find that final touch in front of goal. Truro dominated the majority of the possession and the chances and will be encouraged by the general stranglehold they had over the game but goals change games and Truro need to be more clinical and improve their finishing.

 

The new look Cornish side started at a cantering pace with debuts being given to the Michael Pearson, who turned in a man of the match performance, Nick Curnow and newly acquired goalkeeper Tom Hobbs. Truro’s first sight at goal came within 10 minutes when some the blistering speed of Robin Kendall down the right wing teed up Steve Matthews who shot narrowly wide. Truro continued to dominate the midfield with Tom Parsons holding the middle well with his usual tough tackling nullifying any threat from Gloucester. Truro took the lead mid-way through the first half when Ben Eddy converted after he stole the ball from Gloucester City player Matt Green and played a 1-2 with Robin Kendall who put the ball on a plate for the Truro skipper. Truro had more chances in the first half but didn’t find the back of the net.

 

The second half Gloucester came into the game more and had a couple of their own chances and equalised when a shot from Andy Beer took a harsh deflection off Sam Dunstan’s stick and found the roof of his own net. Moments later Gloucester were reduced to 10 men when a player was sin-binned for striking Alex Money on the back with his stick. Truro pushed more men forward to regain their lead and thought they had scored their second when James Westaway had a strike which was saved from seemingly behind the line was chalked off. Truro had several penalty corners in a row but none were converted with a combination of great goalkeeping and lack of creativity to find the goal they desperately sought.

With a minute left on the clock Gloucester won a penalty corner and converted to win the game and to take all three points much to the dismay of the Cornish side.

 

Truro hope to turn fortunes around when they travel away to Bath Buccaneers on Saturday.

 

5th CUP WIN ON THE TROT

TRURO 12-0 YEOVIL

With a complicated promotion/relegation fight still going on in Prem2, Truro were thanking their lucky stars that they faced already relegated Yeovil at home. Truro capitalised on the visitors having turned up short handed by applying all the early pressure on the Yeovil goal. Confident passing from James Dunstan freed Robin Kendall and Sam Rust to terrorise the defence, with incisive runs to the by-line, and linking well with Truro's strike force. Truro went 1-0 up with a well worked goal, finished by James Westaway. However, despite continued pressure, further goals were not forthcoming with Millward, Matthews and Westaway all guilty of wasting chances, although the Yeovil keeper was standing firm against the onslaught. Yeovil were forced to defend for the whole half, leaving Tom Powell, the Dunstan brothers and Alex Money untroubled at the back.

The second half saw Truro once again dictate the pace of the play, comfortably working chance after chance, with little defensive work required. Truro also regained their finishing touch, with goals starting to go in with a staggering regularity. Several players got their names on the score sheet, but special mention must be made to Westaway, who netted 4 and Parsons who got 2 from the midfield. That said, Yeovil did make progress forward, forcing Truro's defence to work hard; culminating with a short corner, which was saved off the line by Duke, with keeper Alex Rust beaten. However, such advances were rare, and Truro cruised comfortably to the final whistle, ending the game 12-0 up.

With the complex relegation/promotion arrangements, Truro know that their current position of 4th is unlikely to gain them promotion, but if they can beat 3rd placed Bristol UWE next Saturday, swapping places in the process, they stand a good chance of entry into Prem1.

 

MATTHEWS 4,WALES 4

TRURO 4 – 4 WHITCHURCH

Even by their standards, Truro had an appalling start to this game: notorious as slow starters, they conceded two goals very early on due to poor distribution and lapses in defending before they’d even realised they were in the game. Capt Ben Eddy managed to steady the ship, and gradually the home side managed to hold the Welsh attacks before pushing them back and mounting a few of their own. A good period of pressure saw several Truro players have half chances in front of goal before Stephen Matthews brought hope to the Cornish side when he deflected in Ged Milwards short corner shot. Shortly after this Whitchurch were reduced to 10 men as one of their players had to the leave the field with a knee injury, however, this didn’t seem to hinder as much as inspire them as they redoubled their efforts, scoring another two goals before the end of the half, one of which was penalty flick after Sam Dunston was forced into a goal line foul in a last ditch effort trying to prevent the opposition from scoring.

It was not a happy team that went into the break 4-1 down, but it was a very determined team that started the 2nd half. Truro dominated possession for most of this half, clawing back another goal from Matthews to give them a growing sense of hope. Whitchurch helped Truro by pressing the self destruct button when one of their players needlessly got himself sent off, taking them down to 9. Matthews was trying his best to win the game all by himself and scored his 3rd when he chased down a lost cause, diving full length to reverse stick the ball around the stunned keeper. Truro were all fired up for at least the draw, with the biggest issue now the rapidly dwindling clock. With the last 2minutes signalled by the umpires, Truro thought they’d equalised, with another short corner, but this was adjudged to of been too high, and the Welsh league leaders thought they’d secured a remarkable away victory. Matthews was having none of this though, and after Eddy and Parsons combined to steal the ball in midfield, set off like a man possessed, before burying the ball into the back netting passed a distraught keeper. Truro had cut things mighty fine, as the full time whistle went before the game could be restarted.

Truro displayed real grit and spirit to get a draw from what could have been a heavy defeat. There can be no denying though, that had they started better, they wouldn’t of been trying to rescue the match but would instead of walked away with all 3points and a comfortable win..

 

A DRAW AWAY, BUT 2PTS DROPPED

SWINDON 2 – 2 TRURO

Truro's unbeaten run continued with a 2-2 draw on the road to Swindon. Truro will lament the amount of chances they wasted and were bitterly disappointed with a draw as the full three points would have seen them move into second place. The Cornish side were fielding a strong team with players returning from injuries, were in the lead after 10mins when Steven Matthews played in James Westaway who slotted neatly home. Swindon started to get a foot hold in the game and carved out some of their own chances but only for some great defending from Paul Dicker and James Dunstan snuffing out any potential danger. Swindon on the stroke of half time, pegged back the Cornish side back, when they stole the ball on the half way line, countered quickly and effectively.

The second half saw numerous chances again missed by the Truro, recent signing John To missed two glorious chances when he was through on goal but hit straight at the goalkeeper, but was not alone with both Ged Millward and Steven Matthews missing good opportunities. Swindon took the lead very much against the run of play when a speculative shot saw the ball fly passed an unsighted Alex Rust in the Truro goal. Truro equalized within five minutes, when some good work from Tom Parsons played in Ben Eddy who created some space to pass the ball across goal and finding Steven Matthews at the back post. The subsequent shot from Matthews was stopped on the line by a Swindon body and a flick was awarded. Matthews finished off by coolly converting the flick to level the scores, however, neither side had a chance to improve the score with the umpires whistle closing the game.

 

CONVINCING WIN

TRURO 4 – 1 SWANSEA BAY

Finally, a fairly convincing 2009 performance. Swansea Bay had dominated the return leg of this fixture earlier in the year and Truro had been extremely fortunate to come away with the win. After a cagey start which saw both teams moving the ball well and playing good hockey Truro started to shade the play. Ged Millward put Truro in the lead when he deflected the ball past the Swansea keeper after good a good ball in from Sam Dunstan. Soon after Steven Matthews took advantage of some terrible defending, intercepting a pass across the Bay defence and finishing before the keeper could position himself. Truro didn’t have it all their own way though and Alex Rust made a number of good saves to keep out Swansea.

After half time Millward smashed home his second and Truro’s third with a great first time hit from the top of the D. The score didn’t stay at 3-0 for long Swansea pulling a goal back from a well worked short corner. A collapse looked possible with Rust being called into action on the top of his area with a good sliding save. A superb solo goal from Robin Kendall ended any Swansea resistance however. Running from within his own half he coolly rounded the keeper after a one-two with Millward.

 

 

1st LEAGUE WIN OF THE YEAR

Bristol & West 3 - 4 Truro

Having topped Prem 2 for most of the season, Truro had had an alarming slide down the table since Christmas, got a massive boost to their promotional aspirations with this much needed win.

Both sides showed promise in the opening exchanges, until Stephen Matthews put away a stunning reverse strike into the bottom corner of the Bristol goal. The Bristol side responded almost straightaway with a break-away goal after Truro lost the ball inside the Bristol 25. Apart from this brief lapse the Truro defence was operating well in the first half with some fantastic tackles from Paul Dicker and Sam Dunstan, some great distribution from Alex Money and tireless man marking from Dave Powell. The midfield was also working well with the new recruit John Tu linking well with the defence and was the source of many of Truro’s advances. Near the end of the half Truro staged a convincing attack which was neatly finished by Millward who has just returned from injury.

After this encouraging first half, Truro dominated their opponents in the start of the second. The Man of the Match, Sam Rust made some searching runs into the Bristol half, linking well with Eddy and Millward to make life very difficult for the opposition defence. On the other side of the field Robin Kendall was having some success against his markers, however, after doing all the hard work in breaking through the defence, failed to put away a routine chance. During this 25 minute period of dominance Truro won a number of short corners, of which two were converted, one by Tu, a drag flick into the bottom left corner and the other was beautifully deflected in by Westaway from a John Tu flick.

The last fifteen minutes was energy sapping as the cruising Truro side fell victim to complacency and conceded twice to the Bristol and West short corner routine. The following exchanges were tense as Truro battled to keep the home team from scoring. It took some intelligent play from the old heads of Matthews and Millward to hold on to the ball deep in the Bristol half, this ate away at time until the final whistle. This was a much needed win by the Truro team and will hopefully lead to another as they face Swansea at home this coming Saturday.

  

 

FINALLY, A 2009 WIN !

Truro 1st’s 10 Vs 2 Caradon

After two weeks of awful results, it was important for Truro to get back to winning ways against a Caradon side several leagues below them. Truro got off to the start they needed taking the lead within two minutes, James Westaway converting after good work from Dave Powell and Martin Lenney down the right. Truro were winning most of the early exchanges all over the pitch and underlined their dominance when Westaway finished off a scrappy second from close range. Benjamin Eddy added a third soon after, rebounding a Steven Matthews shot that had been well saved by the Caradon goalkeeper. Westaway added two more, before on the stroke of half time Eddy had a short stopped on the line by the body of the Caradon defender. Matthews converted the penalty calmly, low to the keepers left.

The second half saw Caradon come into the game more and they were rewarded for their effort when they scored a goal after good work down the wing. A fairly poor period of play for Truro was ended when Matthews converted his second, again after a fine save from the Caradon keeper. Josh Pearce was then rewarded for a particularly hard working performance with a goal, finishing well from close range. Caradon managed a second goal minutes later when they themselves were awarded a penalty flick. Westaway added his fifth before James Dunston added a super tenth goal smashing the ball into the roof of net from the edge of the area. A far better performance and result but Truro will need to make further improvements if they are to achieve anything in the league away to Bath Buccs next week.

 

EARLY XMAS PRESENT

TRURO 3 - 2 CITY OF BATH

Truro completed the double over City of Bath with another close score line which didn't truly reflect Truro's dominance. Truro controlled the first half but again some woeful finishing and some smart goalkeeping ensured the home sides frustrations grew. Captain Ben Eddy had an effort cleared off the line and James Westaway, Sam Rust and Steven Matthews missed some half chances. Very much against the run of play, a minute before half time Bath took the lead when a swift counter-attack found a Bath forward who deflected into the bottom corner of Alex Rust's goal. The second half saw Truro continuing to dominate the match and almost came back through an effort from Ged Millward who pulled a fine save out of the Bath 'keeper. Truro finally scored an equalizer when Alex Money drove forward and found Ben Eddy at the back post who converted with a deflection into the back of the net. With this relieving the tension that had beset Truro, they moved up a few gears, James Westaway scored two more quick goals with some good finishing. Surprisingly Truro then sat back and allowed Bath to come back at them, and paid when Bath scored a 2nd to give them a sniff of a point. This set up a rather nervous ending for Truro, but ultimately time was against Bath, with Truro claiming all 3 points. This leaves Truro in 2nd place at the end of 2008, with a bit of daylight starting to appear between them and the chasing group. The hockey season takes a break over the Christmas period but Truro will be back in 2009 to continue their push for Premier league 1.  

SLIP UP AT HOME

TRURO 2-4 BRISTOL UWE

Truro slipped to second in the table with their first home loss of the season. Truro have the bad habit of being slow starters, and came unstuck early, when a fired up Bristol side hit them hard I the first few minutes, going a goal down through a well worked Bristol UWE short corner. Truro to their credit came back instantly and scored through James Westaway who deflected home from a well timed cross from Tom Parsons. Both teams had chances but Bristol were more clinical in front of goal, grabbing a 2nd, when a long aerial ball found an attacker who duely converted. Truro continued to make chances but were guilty of wasting them, which would come back to haunt them later. Come half time both sides had exerted pressure but Bristol UWE were had come with a battle plan which was working well. The second half again started in lively fashion with Truro going close with Ged Millward firing just wide. Bristol added their third from some general sloppy defending led to another short corner goal, this time a low hard drag flick. Truro refused to drop their heads and gave themselves some hope when they scored another, bringing the game back to 3-2 with another good finish from James Westaway. Truro again were making chances, but the ruthlessness in front of goal that has been a hallmark of theirs this season was absent, although Steven Matthews was only denied an equalizer by a fantastic save by the opposition keeper and man of the match Capt.Ben Eddy clipped the cross bar with a great shot the edge of the semi circle. Bristol had come with a plan and it worked when they threw another aerial which was latched onto by a forward who finished with an excellent goal to take it to 4-2. The game, which could have swung either way, ended much to Truro's frustration with their first loss of points at ‘Fortress Truro'. Truro face Bath City next week for their last fixture for the calendar year and will be looking to vent some frustrations from Saturdays game against a side who gave Truro a bit of a scare away from home back in September.  

YEOVIL OUTFOUGHT

YEOVIL 3-6 TRURO

Truro retained their grip on top of the table with a convincing and entertaining win over rivals Yeovil. Four of the goals coming from prolific goal scorer Steven Matthews, who notched his third hat-trick of the season with a master class in forward play. The Cornish side traveled to Somerset on a cold November morning, however, it was Yeovil who looked frozen as Matthews took the early initiative and scored in the opening five minutes with a well placed effort that left the opposing goalkeeper sprawling. Yeovil woke up and began to play some hockey and found themselves in the lead with two quick fire goals coming from two identical short corners which ex-GB player Rob Hill dispatched into the top corner of the goal. Truro continued to look lively and again took the lead with a second from Matthews and another from strike partner James Westaway. Yeovil again pegged back the Cornish visitors with another short corner, from Hill,which flew into the top corner. Half time came and the Truro side knew they had the fitness and finesse to dominate the second half and did exactly that, using their width, through Rust and Kendall, Truro tormented the full backs to which Yeovil had no answers. Matthews claimed 2 more to achieve his hat trick; the other came from Millward who was making his return after several weeks out with a calf injury. Whitchurch are hot on the heels of Truro who beat Bristol UWE who are traveling to Truro on Saturday with a push back at 1:30 at Truro School.  

LOST OPPORTUNITY

WHITCHURCH 3-3 TRURO 1st's

The top of the table clash lived up to its billing and threw up a 6 goal thriller. The Cornish side retained top spot in the league but threw away a three goal lead to their closest rivals that hopefully won't prove too costly. Truro started the game on the front foot and instantly made inroads into the Whitchurch defence and took the lead in the opening 10 minutes when a Steven Matthews pass played through Ben Eddy who scored with a reverse strike. Whitchurch never really got going in the first half and Truro continued to throw everything at Whitchurch. Truro were again answerable to some bad finishing with misses from Robin Kendall and James Westaway but when Westaway added a touch to a Sam Rust cross the ball lifted over the diving goalkeeper. Whitchurch showed glimpses of what they could do but never threatened the Truro goal with some resolute defending from Paul Dicker and Adam Duke in the heart of the defence. The second half began in similar fashion with Truro adding a third with some great work from Sam Rust who out-muscled several Whitchurch defenders and played through James Westaway to notch up his brace. Truro unfortunately took their foot off the pedal and the Welsh side scored their first of the afternoon when some good skills resulted in a fine finish. Whitchurch visibly grew in confidence and scored their second from a routine short corner. Truro pulled their socks up but when a bobbling strike found the backboard Truro knew that it was one of those days. Next week it's top against bottom as Truro travel to Yeovil.

LUCKY ESCAPE

TRURO 1st's 3 - 3 SWINDON

Truro moved back to the top of premier division two with a point against Swindon, with results elsewhere going their way. The Cornish side however will lament the chances they had in the second half but should also be cautious after an ugly first half display. The game started brightly for both sides and every ball throughout the pitch being contested, however Swindon started to some momentum together and took the lead when their centre forward added a deft touch to leave goalkeeper Steve Caton rooted. Truro struck back almost instantly with consistent marksman Steven Matthews slotted home from a short corner. Swansea scored a further two with the goal of the day coming from a lob from the edge of the D that nestled right inside the far post. Truro came back again through their ever-present fox in the box James Westaway when he nudged home to bring Truro back into the game. The second half saw a rejuvenated Truro side that battered and hounded Swindon but bad finishing from Ben Eddy and Matthew Dewhurst kept the game on a knife edge. Eddy did convert from close range leveling the game. Truro fought hard for the winner but it never materialized with Sam Rust, Matthew Dewhurst and Robin Kendall all going close. Truro also missed a penalty flick in the latter stages. Another wake up call for Truro who cannot be faulted on effort and fight but need to improve their finishing especially against second placed Whitchurch next weekend in Wales.  

WELSH GRIND

Swansea Bay 1-2 Truro

Truro endured their furthest trip away of the season and were delighted, although fortunate to come home with all three points. Swansea Bay who have had a mixed bag of results this year were an unknown entity after being relegated to the premier second division last year and were unlucky not to take anything from the game. Truro were far from their best but managed to grind out a win after a series of threats from the Welsh side. Truro took the lead mid-way through the first half when some great work from Tom Parsons won a short corner which Robin Kendall dispatched low and hard into Swansea's goal. After this Truro were on the back foot for the rest of the first half and were only saved by some sloppy finishing and some great reaction saves from man of the match Steve Caton. Truro also had chances with Robin Kendall and Captain Ben Eddy but were also guilty of unforced errors in their play. Truro held onto half time, but within ten minutes Swansea drew level after a short corner routine that bobbled its way into the back of the Truro net. Some solid defending from Paul Dicker stopped much of the threat from Swansea who threw everything at the Cornish side but Truro grabbed the winner ten minutes from time after Matt Dewhurst rounded the goal keeper and slotted home. Truro held on but need to up their game if they are going to continue to challenge for promotion. Truro face Swindon on Saturday and will hope for a more convincing performance.  

Just to show this match from a different perspective, I've also included the Swansea Bay match rep from their website: Swansea Bay 1 - 2 Truro "Another defeat for Swansea Bay to the league leaders from Cornwall. Swansea controlled most of the game as seems to be the story of the season so far but the only goal they could muster came from a Mickey Colclough short corner strike. Swansea created plenty of shooting opportunities but could not finish off a workmanlike Truro team who had to dig in and to their credit scored from their only chance of the second half which ironically came from a Swansea Bay penalty corner. Yet again there were excellent performances from the six under 18's in the side who promise a bright future and also Chris Boyd who held firm in defence and managed to get up into attack on occasion. The opposition's comment that we were the best side they had played this season was cold comfort."  

 

NERVOUS WIN

TRURO 1st's 4-2 BRISTOL & WEST

Both teams had a point to prove in this game, Truro, having lost their first game the previous week were looking to get back to winning ways, while Bristol, having lost 4 of their first 5 games were looking for something to kick start their season. Bristol started the brighter, trying to get an early goal that would put pressure on the home side, but solid defending from Duke, Dicker, Money and S Dunstan held them at bay. Truro found themselves slow to get going but when they did, Rust and Kendal were finding little opposition on the wings. It was from the right wing that the first goal came: in almost a training ground move, ‘man of the match' Dunstan cleared the ball out from defence to Kendal, who played it back on the overlap, for Dunstan to hammer in a cross, which gave Westaway an easy tap in at the far post. Before Bristol could respond, Truro scored another that was almost a carbon copy, this time Capt Eddy finished off. Bristol finally hit back and gained a series of short corners to really lay the pressure on the home side, Caton made several good saves before the ball was once again in the visitors half. To add insult to injury, after their best period, Bristol conceded a third, when Rust fired in from the left. After the break, Truro continued their fast flowing play, which culminated in Matthews scoring the 4th with a trade mark reverse strike. At 4-0 up Truro were cruising, and as is so often the way, they took their eyes off the ball and went from calm competence to blind panic in the space of a few minutes. An unnecessarily bad tackle in the 25, gave Bristol a short corner which was fired right into the corner, less than a minute later and with Truro in disarray they scored a 2nd with a deflected shot that Caton wasn't able to get enough on to stop fully. The Bristolians sensed that an upset may be on the cards and piled on the pressure with several more corners and shots. During a corner Dicker took the full impact of a shot on the kneecap and was forced to retire, but the time it took to carry him from the pitch did at least give Truro a chance to calm and reorganise. At this point Bristol never seriously threatened again, although Truro still looked a little fragile at times, they managed to close the game out with no further incidences. Truro remain top of Prem 2, on goal difference, but with 3 other teams within 2points, they know that the season is a long way from being over.

COMEDY IN CUP

CIRENCESTER 3-1 TRURO

Unfortunately, due to West league rules about what can and can't be posted onto websites about games, I cannot give you a proper account of this match. So this will be a brief of the bare facts: 1st Half: Truro 1-0 down, Ged Milward & Ben Eddy carded, Cirencester keeper having an outstanding game. 2nd Half: Truro 3-1 down, Matt Dewhurst scores to give Truro half a chance, then Paul Dicker, Steve Caton & James Westaway sent off. Cirencester keeper, man of the match by a long way. Truro out of Harrod's Trophy. Truro would also like to thank the Ciren players who tried to intervene in the sendings off and were themselves threatened with being sent off. Just like an incredibly bad film, this ended up being quite funny for all the wrong reasons, it was just a shame that we had to drive 3 ½ hrs each way to play it.  

STILL TOP DESPITE FIRST LOSS

MARLBOROUGH 4-2TRURO

Truro suffered their first defeat of the season at the hands of Marlborough but still manage to hold onto top spot in the league. Truro who faced their furthest away trip of the season to East Wiltshire will lament the opportunity they were handed after being two in front at half time. Marlborough who last season were relegated from the Prem1 started the game brighter than Truro and had some early sights at goal but only for young goalkeeper Al Rust to repel some good strikes at his goal. Truro started to come into the game with more possession and more conviction in their attacks with Sam Rust again tormenting his opposing full back created some space and slipped through to James Westaway who duly converted. Truro then doubled their league within five minutes when debutant Martin Lenney won a penalty corner and Ged Millward fired towards Ben Eddy at the back post to deflect in. The second half was a very different story but Marlborough didn't score their first until mid-way through the half but when one went in, they grew in confidence and strength and converted another two to give them a lead in the game for the first time. There was a delay as Dave Powell who has epitomised Truro this year with a steely determination went in for a 50/50 ball only for a Marlborough attacker to completely wipe him out. There was a half hour break as an ambulance was called due to his resulting neck injury. Truro are happy to say that David was released late on Saturday night after being given the all clear. The game restarted and Marlborough won a penalty flick in the final minutes when an individual error cost Truro dear. The Cornish side went down 4-2 but will feel aggravated to have let a lead slip Truro will be fired up for their game on Saturday against Bristol and West as they look to continue their spell in top spot. They are also looking forward to a trip to Cirencester on Sunday for the 2nd round of the Harrods National Trophy.  

TRURO 4-1 TEAM BATH BUCCS

Truro reached top of the table with a convincing win over Team Bath at Truro School. Truro with four wins out of four, are delighted to be top but will be looking to sustain this level of performance throughout the season. Steven Matthews stole the show again with his second hat-trick in as many games, taking his tally to 8 goals so far this season. Knowing that Bath would be a tough team to crack, Truro played a cagey possession game, giving Bath very little chance to get into the game. Although the first significant attacks did come from the visitors, these were comfortably dealt with by Dicker, Caton and the Dunstan brothers. Once Truro settled, they took complete control of the first half as they found themselves camped in the Bath territory but the early signs were frustrating as the Cornish side couldn't find the final touch to convert their possession. Truro finally manage to take the lead with Steven Matthews scoring his first of the afternoon after some good close control from strike partner James Westaway. Truro continued their dominance and just before the half time whistle Sam Rust smashed home a reverse stick strike leaving the goalkeeper flailing. The second half saw much of the same, with the introduction of Adam Duke offering a new dimension down the left, with Matthews scoring his second with a reverse strike that deceived the keeper after 15 minutes from the restart. Truro took their foot off the pedal at 3-0 and Bath scored their goal with a deflected shot leaving Caton with no chance. Truro rallied, with Eddy and Parsons dominating the midfield and came straight back, after some great flowing hockey down the right with Kendall and Powell linking well to set Matthews up to finish his hat-trick in style by placing the ball between the legs of the Bath goalkeeper. Truro are away for their first ever match against Marlborough next week, and are keen to stay top and continue this winning run.

On Sunday, Truro kicked off their national cup campaign in round 2 after a bye in the first, with a home tie to Gloucester side Newent who play in the league below Truro. Looking to make amends for last year when they had crashed out in the first round after reaching the last 16 in the country in 2006, they were out to prove a point From the outset Newent were outclassed and out-gunned by the Premier league 2 outfit, with the first goal for Truro coming after only 60 seconds. S Dunstan overlapped his opposite number and won a short corner after his shot was saved, this was dutifully converted by Matthews with a thunderous strike. 10 minutes later Matthews repeated for his 2nd of the day and 10 minutes after that Westaway stole the rebound from the keeper to net, after Milwards shot was saved to give Truro a 3-0 lead at the break. Truro were camped in the Newent half in the second phase of the game but didn't convert as many chances as their possession would warrant, missing a penalty flick, and having another disallowed but they did score another two goals, a high drag flick from J Dunstan, and a spectacular diving touch to give Matthews his hat trick. All in all, a good weekend for the counties premier men's hockey team, they will now progress into the second round and will find out their next opponents in a few weeks.

Video on THC TV

 

 

 

Comeback Kings

 

Firebrands 3-5 Truro 1st's

On Saturday the Cornish side travelled to Bristol for their Prem 2 match against Firebrands, who were both unbeaten and 2nd to Truro's 3rd in the table. On a flat and lifeless pitch Truro didn't start well and had to endure a prolonged period of raids from ‘Brands, with some brave tackling from Dicker and J Dunstan, although Caton was still called upon to make a number of important saves. Truro scored, very much against the run of play, with a quick break that left Kendall to fire home at the near post. ‘Brand's came back hard, while Truro lost defender S Dunstan to injury, and before Truro had really reorganised at the back they had shipped two quick goals. Once they had their defence back to full strength, Truro stepped up a few gears, so that by the end of the first half, although one goal down, they were right back in the game. The second half saw Truro ease away from their opponents with 4 great goals, Westaway finished off two good team moves, while Kendal grabbed another and Milward scored a perfectly struck short corner. Demoralised, ‘Brand's tried briefly to rally but on such a hot day were finding the conditions sapping and had problems finding their way passed man of the match Parson's, although they did score a third, there was only 2 minutes left on the clock. Truro have now taken the maximum points from the first three games of the season, and now sitting in second place on goal difference but know that they have to maintain this current form until April of next year to see their hopes realised.

TRURO 1st's 3 - 1 ROBINSONS

Cornwall Cup Draw Truro 1st's have a bye in the first round so will join the competition in the quarter final stages to be played by the 26th January 2009. They will play either Caradon or Truro 4th's! 

 

9 Goal Thriller Opens New Season

 

City of Bath 4-5 Truro

The new season saw Truro travel to Bath for their first league game and emerge victorious in a nine goal thriller. In scorching hot conditions both sides found the heat tough and Bath will feel aggrieved after spending much of the match with their noses in front but only for some doggedness and sheer guts from Truro that ensured they came out on top. Truro scored the first of the nine goals in the first 10 minutes of the half when Ged Millward converted early on after some neat work down the right wing by man of the match Robin Kendall. Bath who were fielding a new young and energetic side, took the game to Truro, hitting them on the break and quickly overloading the defence. The structure creaked and despite some valiant defending by Powell, S Dunstan, Dicker and Caton, scored the first of 3 rapid goals. Truro's structure was creaking in a combination of frustration and tiredness, and the half time whistle didn't come a moment too soon. The second half was a very different story to the first when Truro, who knew what they had to do, played a more intelligent game, capitalising on the assets better. Kendall and Rust terrorised the Bath defenders on the flanks, keeping Bath blocked up around their own area and a goal was only a matter of time. Steven Matthews scored his first of the campaign when he linked up well with captain Ben Eddy to deflect the ball past the Bath goalkeeper. Truro kept pressing but were always prone to counter attacks from a lively Bath side and they scored their flukiest goal of the match when the ball was lost in the Truro midfield and Bath capitalised on it to lead 4 - 2. Truro hit back straight from the push back when they won a short corner and Steven Matthews smashed home passed a strangely static keeper. With 15 minutes still on the clock Truro sensed they had a chance to get at least a point and drew level when a Steven Matthews cross found Ben Eddy who scored the equaliser. Bath seemed dejected by this and started to wilt when James Westaway scored the winner when he calmly rounded the goalkeeper and coolly finished. Truro still had to handle some Bath attacks in the final five minutes but some expert defending from the two Dunstan brothers and Paul Dicker ensured the points came home with the Cornish side. Truro face Robinson this week and will be hoping to build upon their second half performance.

Tournement Win To Set Up New Season           

 

 

 

 

Was the smell of Steves kit finally too much for his team mates?

Back: Ged, Bernie, Westy, Ben, Kendal. Front: Josh, Dunny, DP, Tom, Rusty. Pitch: Steve

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

Cornwall Cup Winners 2008

Have we scored? Have we missed? What are Ben & Dunny doing?

 

 

 

CORNWALL MEN’S CUP FINAL

TRURO 3-1 BODMIN

With this being a rerun of last years final, and with both sides making up the majority of the county squad, they were under no illusions as to how each other play.

The game started at a fast pace with both teams looking like they were ‘up for it’, the midfield was particularly hard fought with Capt Eddy and Tom Parsons having to be at their best. Paul Dicker and James Dunstan were controlling any marauding Bodmin forwards well, although the same was happening at the other end, with James Westaway and Stephen Matthews being given few chances to attack the goal. Truro were containing Bodmin well and gradually pressure began to build as they began to push the North Cornish side backwards. The first real chance though did go to Bodmin, Eddy and Parsons were breached, before a one two slipped former Newquay forward Alex Roberts behind Dicker, he then returned the ball but the slap shot fortunately was wide. This proved a good wake up call for Truro, who redoubled their efforts to break down a dogged defence.
Picking up a poor clearance, Capt Eddy showed his class by waltzing around several players before finishing off coolly with a goal between the advancing keepers legs. Despite continued pressure, it remained 1-0 at half time.

The 2nd half saw Bodmin get themselves back into the game, and as the heat of the day began to affect the energy in the teams, they began to carve themselves a few chances. Just a Bodmin looked like they might equalize, one of their players was sin binned, and Truro pounced. Matthew picked up the ball unmarked after it was deflected from a Bodmin stick and buried the ball into the bottom left corner for the 2nd goal. Robin Kendal on the right wing, broke free of his marker to get behind the defence before squaring the ball where Westaway gave it the gentlest if nudges to claim a 3rd. Immediately though Bodmin replied with Roberts scrambling the ball over the Truro line to give them hope. However, Truro didn’t allow another sniff of their goal, showing their greater experience by keeping the ball to run down the clock for the rest of the game.

 

This is now the 5th year in a row that Truro have won the senior County Cup, and continue to show their class as the counties premier hockey team.

 

YEOVIL THRASHED