Truro City Football Club has had some pivotal seasons in it’s time, but none more so than the 1992-1993 season. City hadn’t won the South Western League title since the 1969-1970 season, they hadn’t won the South Western League Cup since sharing it in the 1966-1967 season and hadn’t won it outright since the 1959-1960 season and most importantly hadn’t won a trophy since winning the Cornwall Charity Cup back in the 1980-1981 season. All that was about to change though as Steve Massey was Truro’s player/manager and with Steve Wherry and Darren Robison in attack, things were finally looking up for Truro…
What a season…
South Western League
1 – Holsworthy (A) D 1-1 (S. Cooper) Sat 22 Aug
Truro City opened their campaign by drawing 1-1 at Holsworthy. The home side took the lead right on half-time when a defensive mix-up allowed Kerswall to score. But after the break with the wind at their backs, Truro dominated, quickly equalising thanks to a goal from debutant Shaun Cooper. City had enough chances to have wrapped the game up, but instead had to settle for just a point. West Briton & Cornwall Advertiser
2 – Penzance (H) L 1-2 (Wherry) Sat 3 Oct
Leaders Penzance managed a remarkable 2-1 victory at Truro City despite having keeper John Dent sent off in the 24th minute for deliberate handball outside of his area. Stand in keeper left-back Paddy Scrace was quickly beaten by Steve Wherry before Penzance came back to collect both points with a brace of goals from the lively Simon O’Brien. West Briton & Cornwall Advertiser
3 – St Austell (A) W 2-1 (Bickle, Waters) Sat 10 Oct
Truro City gained their first league win of the season, with a 2-1 success at St Austell. Malcolm Willis put St Austell ahead with Frank Bickle levelling for Truro before the interval and Dave Waters giving them victory early in the second half. West Briton & Cornwall Advertiser
P-3 W-1 D-1 L-1 F-4 A-4 PTS-3 POS-14th
4 – Porthleven (H) W 5-0 (Wherry x2, Fallon ??, 84, S. Cooper 13) Sat 17 Oct
Biggest winners of the day were Truro City who thumped struggling Porthleven 5-0. They led 3-0 after 13 minutes with goals from Steve Wherry, Micky Fallon and Shaun Cooper. Wherry made it 4-0 before the break and Fallon completed the scoring six minutes from time. West Briton & Cornwall Advertiser
5 – Tavistock (H) L 2-3 (S. Cooper, Fallon pen) Tue 27 Oct
Truro City slumped to a surprise 3-2 defeat against Tavistock who raced into a 3-0 interval lead with fine goals from Pratt, Abbot and Gosling. Although Truro staged a comeback with Shaun Cooper and Micky Fallon (penalty) on target, they were just unable to salvage a point. West Briton & Cornwall Advertiser
P-5 W-2 D-1 L-2 F-11 A-7 PTS-5 POS-14th
6 – Launceston (A) L 1-3 (Waters) Sat 31 Oct
Truro City suffered their second successive defeat losing 3-1 at Launceston. A Neil Penwill header gave Launceston the lead, with Dave Waters equalising immediately for City. Dann restored Launceston’s advantage before the interval and Bradley Swiggs made the game safe late in the game. West Briton & Cornwall Advertiser
7 – Torpoint Athletic (H) W 2-0 (Fallon, Wherry) Sat 7 Nov
Truro City returned to winning form, beating visiting Torpoint 2-0, with goals from Micky Fallon and Steve Wherry. West Briton & Cornwall Advertiser
P-7 W-3 D-1 L-3 F-14 A-10 PTS-7 POS-12th
8 – Wadebridge Town (A) W 6-0 (Fallon 55, 58, Wherry ??, ?? pen, ??, ??) Sat 14 Nov
Biggest winners of the day were Truro City who won 6-0 at Wadebridge. Steve Wherry scored four of their goals with Micky Fallon striking twice. West Briton & Cornwall Advertiser
P-8 W-4 D-1 L-3 F-20 A-10 PTS-9 POS-12th
9 – Appledore (H) W 5-0 (Bickle, S. Cooper ?, 5, Fallon pen, Wherry) Sat 21 Nov
Truro City powered to their third straight win with a 5-0 home win over Appledore. City were 3-0 up in less than five minutes through Frank Bickle and Shaun Cooper (2). A Micky Fallon penalty made it 4-0 at the break with Steve Wherry completing the scoring late in the game. West Briton & Cornwall Advertiser
P-9 W-5 D-1 L-3 F-25 A-10 PTS-11 POS-11th
10 – Bodmin Town (A) L 0-2 Sat 28 Nov
Leaders Bodmin had to battle hard to overcome visiting Truro City 2-0 with skipper Paul Mildon scoring both goals. West Briton & Cornwall Advertiser
P-10 W-5 D-1 L-4 F-25 A-12 PTS-11 POS-11th
11 – Devon & Cornwall Police (A) W 2-1 (Tallon, Robison) Sat 12 Dec
Second-half goals by Darren Tallon and Darren Robison accounted for Truro’s 2-1 win against Devon and Cornwall Police at Millbay Park. The police side’s goal came from Adrian Street. West Briton & Cornwall Advertiser
P-11 W-6 D-1 L-4 F-27 A-13 PTS-13 POS-7th
12 – Holsworthy (H) W 1-0 (Gammon) Sat 19 Dec
As predicted, a hard-fought match this between the sides with the best defensive records in the league. Played on a very heavy pitch, City had the best of the play but Holsworthy showed exactly why they have such a good defensive record, with former striker Alan Mayes, excelling in his new position at the back. City could have opened the scoring virtually from the kick-off when Steve Wherry was put in the clear only to see his clever lob go just over the bar. Player/Manager Steve Massey came in for his first full game of the season and playing in an unaccustomed central midfield position, he proceeded to make a mockery of the conditions with his good control and excellent passing ability. The defence rarely looked in any great difficulty, although Andy Gammon made one excellent save from the ever dangerous Grenville Pope and Mark Wearne almost scored his first goal of the season – at the wrong end. The only goal came midway through the second half, when Mark Gammon hit a superb shot on the turn, giving Holsworthy keeper Matt Bates no chance of saving. Late in the game, Dave Waters hit the post but City held on comfortably to secure the points. Truro City AFC programme
13 – Falmouth Town (H) W 3-0 (Tallon 20, Wherry 46, 80) Sat 26 Dec
A tremendous performance this by the lads, to give the club a perfect end to 1992. Although weakened by the absence of Nigel Thwaites and Chris Long, Falmouth were still able to field a strong side. City were forced to make a last-minute change, when Leigh Cooper failed a late fitness test on his injured back. As a result, Mark Wearne moved to left back with Chris Webb filling the other full-back position. Tony Webb came on to the substitutes’ bench following his mid-week transfer from Perranwell. Falmouth had slightly more of the early possession and could have taken the lead after 15 minutes but George Torrance shot wide with only Andy Gammon to beat. Five minutes later City took the lead when Darren Tallon shot home following Graeme Kirkup’s free-kick. From then on, there was only one side in it for the remainder of the half and Falmouth were indebted to keeper Dave Philp for keeping City at bay for the remainder of the half. Immediately after the break, Steve Wherry scored, forcing home Darren Robison’s cross. Shortly after, Shaun Cooper was replaced by Mark Gammon. Falmouth enjoyed plenty of possession but could make no impression on City’s superb defence, in which Darren Tallon was outstanding. Ten minutes from the end, Philp, in attempting to play the ball to one of his full-backs, only succeeded in passing straight to Wherry, who made no mistake from the edge of the penalty box. Falmouth rallied briefly, with Ian Gosling bringing a superb save from Gammon and Mark Rowe hitting the top of the crossbar from a free-kick. Truro City AFC programme
Falmouth Town’s 3-0 Boxing Day Jewson South Western League defeat at Truro City has thrown the title race wide open at the start of the New Year. It was Truro’s biggest win over their local rivals for more than 25 years and Falmouth’s heaviest league defeat for more than two seasons. Town skipper George Torrance wasted, what was to prove their only real chance of the game when he shot wide after 14 minutes, but it was Truro who were the more determined side. Central defender Darren Tallon gave them a 19th minute lead, when he controlled a free-kick from skipper Graeme Kirkup and calmly pushed the ball past Falmouth keeper Dave Philp, who was making his 100th appearance for the club. Philp made two point blank stops to deny Darren Robison a second goal for Truro before the interval but was beaten less than a minute into the second half when Steve Wherry converted a cross from Robison. Falmouth played some attractive football in midfield without looking dangerous in front of goal and the game was settled 12 minutes from time when a poor pass from the otherwise impressive Philp went straight to Wherry who immediately returned the ball into the empty net. It was Truro’s sixth win in their last seven league games as they moved to fifth in the table. West Briton & Cornwall Advertiser
14 – Millbrook (H) W 2-0 (S. Cooper, Tallon) Sat 16 Jan
First half goals by Shaun Cooper and Darren Tallon were enough to maintain Truro’s impressive run in a rather dour encounter on a very heavy pitch. Despite their impressive form, player-manager Steve Massey is however, continuing his efforts to strengthen his squad and this week completed the signing of Roche striker Dave Hoskin, who recently scored twice against Truro in the Cornwall Senior Cup. He has also put in seven days notice of approach for former Cornwall player Andy Duncan. West Briton & Cornwall Advertiser
P-14 W-9 D-1 L-4 F-33 A-13 PTS-19 POS-3rd
15 – Mullion (A) W 2-0 (Waters 2, 47) Sat 23 Jan
Title-chasing Truro snapped up another valuable two points when they visited Mullion’s Clifden Parc. But Jewson South Western League new boys Mullion were far from outclassed by Steve Massey’s city slickers and the speed of home strikers James Eddy and Neil Rudkin kept visiting defenders on their toes throughout. However, Mullion found themselves a goal down within two minutes of the off. Truro were awarded a throw-in and the ball bounced over the home defence and Dave Waters nipped in to turn and shoot in from the edge of the penalty area. Mullion almost drew level before the changeover when a cross by the outstanding Kevin Whitford was headed just wide of the target by midfielder Stuart Wilkes. Truro strengthened their grip on the game two minutes into the second half when Waters went through to score his second goal of the game. Most of the second half play featured in midfield and neither goalkeeper could say they were over busy. West Briton & Cornwall Advertiser
16 – Newquay (H) W 2-1 (Robison 28, Wherry 88) Sat 30 Jan
Team – Andy Gammon (GK), Chris Webb, Graeme Kirkup, Darren Tallon, Leigh Cooper, Brian Jay, Mark Symons, Dave Waters, Steve Wherry, Brian Hoskin, Darren Robison
Subs Used – Frank Bickle, Shaun Cooper
The Truro bandwagon rolled on to give a major boost to their hopes of winning the Jewson South Western League for the first time since 1970. With leaders Bodmin suffering a shock home defeat against Appledore and second-placed Falmouth Town only drawing at St Blazey, City’s win on Saturday has put them right into title contention. They trail Bodmin by only four points with two games in hand and are just three points behind Falmouth, whom they have to meet at Bickland Park. However, they left it late to earn their ninth league win in ten matches, with the winning goal not coming until two minutes from time. Until leading scorer Steve Wherry’s strike, City looked to be heading for their first league draw since the opening day of the season. Truro needed both points to maintain their challenge, with both teams starting the day on 21 points and Newquay having played two games fewer. Not surprisingly, with the two teams having the meanest defences in the league, the game was a tight affair. Truro were without midfielder Frank Bickle because of work commitments and his place was taken by Brian Jay, who started the season with junior side Probus and was making his first full SWL appearance. Player-manager Steve Massey also included new signing Dave Hoskin in attack, while Newquay were without flu-victim Graham Nicholls. Both sides started slowly, but Truro took the lead after 28 minutes with a superbly volleyed goal from Darren Robison. His first-time effort from Leigh Cooper’s left-wing cross flew past keeper Dennis Annear. The rest of the half was a rather dour affair, with neither keeper seriously tested. Truro, seeking another goal to put the result beyond doubt, started the second period well. Hoskin and Wherry should both have done better with a centre from Robison. Annear saved well from Tallon following a corner, before Newquay drew level in the 67th minute through a controversial goal by Shaun Hooper. He challenged City keeper Andy Gammon to a right-wing cross from Justin Ashburn and in the confusion the ball ended in the net. Truro felt that Hooper had handled the ball – Gammon was so incensed that he raced to the halfway line to protest. But referee Bill McLoughlin was unmoved. It was the first goal Truro had conceded in the league at home for three months. For a time the game threatened to get out of hand: City skipper Graeme Kirkup was booked for a challenge on Conrad Robins. But matters began to settle and a tremendous pass from Bickle, who had come on for Hoskin, gave the impressive Dave Waters the chance to cross for Robison at the far post. But his looping header cleared the bar. Newquay were content with a draw, but had a real chance to win in the 87th minute when a defensive mix-up between Chris Webb and and Gammon gave Tristan Wood a clear sight at goal, but he shot well wide. A minute later Truro were ahead. Robison won the ball on the right and his low centre was met first time by Wherry. His shot flashed past a helpless Annear for the winner. It was his 12th league goal of the season – and his 16th in all – and probably the most important so far. There was no time for Newquay to come back. City held on comfortably for their sixth successive home league win in which they have scored 15 goals and conceded one. Once again their strength was in defence, but it was yet another good all-round team performance. Truro City AFC programme
17 – Penzance (A) W 2-1 (Bickle 45, Wherry 58) Sat 6 Feb
An excellent result this against a side who beat us by the same scoreline at Treyew Road back in early October. The side eventually winning the South Western League title could well revolve around which team has the strongest squad. The strength of our squad was certainly tested in this game with both skipper Graeme Kirkup and Brian Jay having to leave the field through injury with less than half an hour gone. They were replaced by Shaun Cooper and Mark Wearne. City had the better of the early exchanges and despite having Wearne replace Kirkup early in the game, the change had little effect on the performance. The first clear-cut chance came on the half-hour when, with only home keeper Shaun McDonnell to beat, Frank Bickle shot wide. Jay then had to leave the field following a particularly heavy challenge from Neil Phillips, which required eight minutes of attention on the field. He was replaced by Shaun Cooper and City reverted to their more recent 4-3-3 formation. As a result, the lads continually found their way through their opponents defence and from one such move, Dave Waters was denied a goal by McDonnell’s excellent save. A few minutes later, Shaun Cooper also missed a good opportunity when he shot over the bar. Deep into injury time, City took the lead when Darren Robison’s cross was headed home by Bickle. Early in the second half, City increased their lead when Steve Wherry fired home Chris Webb’s quick free-kick. The home side tried to make an impression on a resolute City defence but were kept at bay until ten minutes from the end, when the promising Simon O’Brien ran on to a through ball to easily beat City keeper Andy Gammon. Despite this set-back, City held on without any more scares to earn a thoroughly deserved victory. Truro City AFC programme
18 – Mullion (H) L 0-1 Wed 17 Feb
An opportunist goal by James Eddy midway through the first half, when he latched on to a bad back pass by Darren Tallon, proved enough to give Mullion both points as they defended gallantly under almost non-stop pressure. West Briton & Cornwall Advertiser
19 – Porthleven (A) W 4-2 (C. Webb 15 pen, Wherry, Duncan, Bickle) Sat 20 Feb
A welcome victory this, following the midweek defeat at the hands of Mullion. City were unable to field a full side. Skipper Graeme Kirkup still injured, along with Dave Waters, Darren Robison unavailable and Steve Massey on holiday. City started well, taking the lead after 15 minutes when Chris Webb scored from the penalty spot following a foul on Dave Hoskin. The lead only lasted five minutes, when John Burrows ran on to a through ball and shot past Andy Gammon. The lads had a number of half chances to regain the lead but with home keeper Robert Hoare in excellent form, there were no further goals before half-time. Three goals early in the second half livened up the game. Firstly, City’s leading scorer Steve Wherry shot home after Darren Tallon had headed on Frank Bickle’s corner. Almost immediately, Porthleven were back on level terms when Paddy Cotton equalised. Four minutes later, City again took the lead when Andy Duncan scored, with the home defence appealing for offside. A superb shot from 20 yards by Bickle, following Hoskin’s pass, sewed the game up for City and Porthleven were again indebted to Hoare’s goalkeeping for keeping the score at 4-2. Truro City AFC programme
P-19 W-13 D-1 L-5 F-43 A-18 PTS-27 POS-3rd
20 – Torpoint Athletic (A) W 2-0 (Wherry, Hoskin) Sat 13 Mar
Truro City maintained their strong challenge with a comfortable 2-0 success at Torpoint. Second half goals from leading scorer Steve Wherry and Dave Hoskin, his first since joining from Roche, ensured both points for City. West Briton & Cornwall Advertiser
P-20 W-14 D-1 L-5 F-45 A-18 PTS-29 POS-4th
21 – Wadebridge Town (H) W 5-2 (Wherry 10, Bickle 13, Hoskin x2, Robison) Sat 20 Mar
A misleading scoreline this, not truly reflecting the superiority City enjoyed against what surely was one of the weakest Wadebridge sides in recent years. The visitors scored with the two opportunities that came their way, one of which was well offside and they were indebted to goalkeeper Gavin Hurst, particularly in the second half, when he made a succession of excellent saves. City also hit the woodwork three time during this period. The game was over as a contest after just half-an-hour, by which time the lads had built up a 4-0 lead. Steve Wherry started the rout after just ten minutes and this was quickly followed by Frank Bickle’s effort. Dave Hoskin soon added a brace of goals and City were coasting at half-time. Immediately after the break, Steve Dann caught the home defence flat-footed to score and a few minutes later he added a second from what was clearly an offside position. City retaliated immediately, with Darren Robison restoring the three-goal advantage and the remainder of the match was a contest between City, Hurst and the woodwork. Truro City AFC programme
P-21 W-15 D-1 L-5 F-50 A-20 PTS-31 POS-3rd
22 – St Austell (H) W 3-2 (Jay, Gammon x2) Wed 24 Mar
23 – Appledore (A) W 2-1 (OG, Robison) Sat 27 Mar
P-23 W-17 D-1 L-5 F-55 A-23 PTS-35 POS-1st
Millbrook (A) A-A (Jay) Tue 30 Mar
The thrilling race for the Jewson South-Western League title took another strange twist on Tuesday evening, when leaders Truro City lost the chance to go three points clear after their game at Millbrook was abandoned at half-time due to floodlight failure. Truro were 1-0 up at the time after an early goal from Brian Jay, but the lights continued to go out, forcing the game to be called off and it will now be played on April 14. Truro went to the top of the table for the first time this season with a 2-1 victory at Appledore on Saturday, after trailing 1-0 at half-time. West Briton & Cornwall Advertiser
24 – Bodmin Town (H) L 2-3 (C. Webb, Bickle) Sun 4 Apr
Truro City’s hopes of lifting the title suffered a severe blow as they lost 3-2 at home to Bodmin in a top of the table game. Andy Waddell gave Bodmin the lead in the 11th minute, with Chris Webb and Frank Bickle on target to give Truro a 2-1 interval lead. However, in the second period Gerry Westlake and Waddell (penalty), earned a vital win for Bodmin. West Briton & Cornwall Advertiser
P-24 W-17 D-1 L-6 F-57 A-26 PTS-35 POS-2nd
25 – St Blazey (A) D 1-1 (Robison) Sat 10 Apr
It was City’s first league draw since the opening day of the season though it was a match they should have won after dominating the second half. Gary Marshall put St Blazey ahead with Darren Robison quickly equalising for Truro. City also suffered a blow when midfielder Frank Bickle was carried off late in the game with a severe groin injury and is likely to miss the rest of the season. West Briton & Cornwall Advertiser
P-25 W-17 D-2 L-6 F-58 A-27 PTS-36 POS-2nd
26 – Millbrook (A) W 2-1 (Robison, Duncan) Wed 14 Apr
27 – Devon & Cornwall Police (H) W 4-0 (Robison 35 pen, 57, Wherry 55, 90) Sat 17 Apr
A comfortable victory this against opposition weakened by last-minute work commitments. City were on top from the start of the game and should have opened the scoring in the first minute but Dave Hoskin hesitated in shooting and the opportunity was lost. Hoskin missed another shortly after and this was the story for most of the first half until ten minutes before the interval when Darren Robison was fouled a yard inside the penalty area and he got up to convert the resulting spot-kick. The second-half continued in similar vein, Darren Tallon heading against the woodwork right at the start of the half, following Andy Duncan’s excellent free kick. Ten minutes into the half, Dave Waters crossed and Steve Wherry ended his barren run of six games without a goal by heading home at the near post. Shortly after, Robison was on hand to head home Hoskin’s cross. Needing one more goal to go to the top of the league on goal difference, City pressed forward and the fourth goal finally came in injury time, when Wherry scored from Robison’s pass. Truro City AFC programme
P-27 W-19 D-2 L-6 F-64 A-28 PTS-40 POS-1st
28 – Falmouth Town (A) W 2-0 (Duncan 13, Robison 55) Sat 24 Apr
29 – Launceston (H) D 0-0 Sun 25 Apr
30 – Tavistock (A) W 2-0 (Waters x2) Tue 27 Apr
The race for the Jewson South-Western League title is certain to go to the last day of the season on May 8, as all three remaining realistic contenders – Truro City, Bodmin and Newquay – won on Tuesday evening. Truro maintained their one point lead at the top with a hard-fought 2-0 victory at Tavistock. City had Darren Tallon sent off late in an ill-tempered encounter in which both their goals came from Dave Waters. Truro were also in action twice over the weekend, winning 2-0 at Falmouth Town on Saturday and then drawing 0-0 at home to Launceston on Sunday. It was Truro’s first league win at Bickland Park for at least 25 years and the first league double conceded by Falmouth in seven seasons. A fine volley by Andy Duncan put Truro ahead in the 13th minute and ten minutes into the second half, Darren Robison headed home a cross by Mark Gammon to make sure of a well deserved win. Against Launceston, Truro had the better of the game and came closest to scoring when Robison hit the post with a header in the first half. Unfortunately the game was marred when Launceston keeper Steve Nute suffered a broken leg late in the game when bringing off a brave save. West Briton & Cornwall Advertiser
P-30 W-21 D-3 L-6 F-68 A-28 PTS-45 POS-1st
31 – Newquay (A) W 1-0 (Waters) Wed 5 May
Position – CHAMPIONS!!!
32 – St Blazey (H) W 3-0 (Wherry 46, Gammon 50, Waters 67) Sat 8 May
Team – Andy Gammon (GK), Chris Webb, Darren Tallon, Graeme Kirkup, Mark Wearne, Mark Gammon, Mark Symons, Andy Duncan, Dave Waters, Steve Wherry, Darren Robison
Subs Used – Frank Bickle, Dave Streat
Truro brought down the curtain on their first ever “double” season with an emphatic victory over St Blazey. City had already clinched the title for the first time since 1970 with their midweek win at Newquay, while closest rivals Bodmin lost 5-3 to the police. It completed the second part of an historic double for the club, after having won the league cup for the first time since 1967 by beating Falmouth Town 4-1 on Bank Holiday Monday. A large crowd turned out at a sunny Treyew-Road to celebrate the club’s long overdue success and see skipper Graeme Kirkup receive the league championship trophy from chairman Tristan Scott. It was a proud moment for manager Steve Massey, players and officials after such a lean time. Truro’s performance in winning the league and cup was even more creditable considering the fixture pile-up in the closing weeks of the season. They had to play 5 games in 11 days, winning four and drawing one and conceding just a single goal. That defensive strength has been the cornerstone of Truro’s success this season. They have the best defensive record in the league, having conceded just 28 goals in 32 league games. Keeper Andy Gammon kept a clean sheet on 15 occasions. Only twice have Truro conceded three goals in a league game and these were in the early part of the season. Their away form has also been crucial. They have lost just twice on their travels and in a remarkable run they took 21 out of a possible 22 points in their last 11 games away from Treyew Road. At home they have lost four times, all by a single-goal margin, with Bodmin the only team to do the double over them. Skipper Graeme Kirkup has been a tower of strength in the heart of their defence, alongside Darren Tallon with left-back Leigh Cooper showing his class throughout the season, especially in the nerve-wracking final few games. Local boys Chris Webb and Mark Wearne have also enjoyed excellent seasons, with Webb playing at least a part of every game. The only other players to do that were keeper Gammon and striker Steve Wherry, who has worked tirelessly all season, scoring a total of 19 league goals. Next top scorer, with eight goals, is Darren Robison, whose introduction into the side played a big part in Truro’s success. Dave Waters, Truro’s goalscoring hero at Newquay, missed only one game, while fellow midfielder Mark Symons missed only five. After being dropped he came back splendidly after coming in for the injured Frank Bickle. Other players also figured prominently in the club’s success, but manager Massey and his assistant Morrish Truscott deserve perhaps the biggest praise for assembling such a successful team. As for Saturday’s game, with the result academic. Truro struggled in the first half against a lively St Blazey side and keeper Gammon brought off a superb double save from a free kick. In the second half it was a different story as Truro showed their true form, outclassing the visitors. The half was just 51 seconds old when St Blazey keeper Richard Keith could only parry a fierce shot from Robison and Wherry, as ever, was on hand to force the loose ball over the line. Four minutes later, Robison gave Mark Gammon the chance of a simple second goal and midway through the half Gammon turned provider to give Waters the opening to blast the ball into the roof of the net. In the closing stages, Truro completely dominated, missing a hatful of chances with Symons and Wherry guilty of bad misses. But nothing could spoil the party atmosphere and the team went on a lap of honour at the end of a memorable season. West Briton & Cornwall Advertiser
1992/1993 SWL Squad – Frank Bickle, Richard Carr, Leigh Cooper, Shaun Cooper, Andy Duncan, Micky Fallon, Mark Gaiety, Andy Gammon (GK), Mark Gammon, Dave Hoskin, Brian Jay, Graeme Kirkup, Steve Massey, John Matthews, Ian Penrose, Darren Robison, Paul Smith, Damian Stevens, Dave Streat, Mark Symons, Darren Tallon, Dave Waters, Mark Wearne, Chris Webb, Tony Webb, Steve Wherry
South Western League Appearances & Goals
Frank Bickle – 5 goals
Richard Carr – 0 goals
Leigh Cooper – 0 goals
Shaun Cooper – 6 goals
Andy Duncan – 3 goals
Micky Fallon – 7 goals
Mark Gaiety – 0 goals
Andy Gammon (GK) – 32 apps – 0 goals (15 clean sheets)
Mark Gammon – 4 goals
Dave Hoskin – 3 goals
Brian Jay – 1 goal
Graeme Kirkup – 0 goals
Steve Massey – 0 goals
John Matthews – 0 goals
Ian Penrose – 0 goals
Darren Robison – 9 goals
Paul Smith – 0 goals
Damian Stevens – 0 goals
Dave Streat – 0 goals
Mark Symons – 0 goals
Darren Tallon – 3 goals
Dave Waters – 8 goals
Mark Wearne – 0 goals
Chris Webb – 2 goals
Tony Webb – 0 goals
Steve Wherry – 32 apps – 19 goals
South Western League Cup
1st Round – Devon & Cornwall Police (A) W 2-1 (Waters x2) Sat 19 Sep
Truro City won 2-1 at last season’s beaten League Cup finalists Devon and Cornwall Police. The Police went ahead with a Simon Tremain penalty in the first half before two second half strikes by Dave Waters earned City a deserved win. West Briton & Cornwall Advertiser
Quarter-Final – Launceston (H) W 1-0 (S. Cooper 20) Sat 2 Jan
A controversial goal from Truro striker Shaun Cooper took his team into the semi-finals of the League Cup. It came after 20 minutes of the first half when Cooper strongly challenged Launceston keeper Steve Nute for a Dave Waters’ cross and the ball seemed to end up in the net off the hand of Cooper. Referee Mike Earley allowed the goal to stand despite fierce protests by the Launceston team. Earlier Steve Wherry had hit the underside of the bar for Truro and Nute also had to save well from Darren Robison. Launceston suffered another blow eight minutes into the second half when they had central defender David Jones sent off for allegedly swearing at a linesman. This seemed to inspire Launceston who put Truro under plenty of pressure with Bradley Swiggs just failing to convert a couple of half chances.
Semi-Final – Penzance (N) W 2-1 (Robison x2) Thu 8 Apr
Truro are still in with a chance of the league and cup “double” after beating Penzance 2-1 in the League Cup semi-final at a rain-soaked Bickland Park. Darren Robison struck twice to give Truro a 2-0 lead by early in the second half, before the Magpies hit back with a fine strike from Mark Damerell. Despite non-stop pressure in the closing stages, Penzance could not prevent Truro from reaching their first final since 1968. Their opponents in the final to be played at Porthleven on May 3, will be Falmouth Town, who are aiming for an unprecedented third successive cup triumph. West Briton & Cornwall Advertiser
Final – Falmouth Town (N) W 4-1 (Robison 42, Wherry 56, ??, Webb 90) Mon 3 May
Team – Andy Gammon (GK), Mark Wearne, Leigh Cooper, Mark Symons, Darren Tallon, Graeme Kirkup, Mark Gammon, Steve Wherry, Darren Robison, Steve Massey, Dave Waters
Subs Used – Chris Webb, Dave Streat
Truro City completed the first part of a marvellous double when they won the Jewson South Western League Cup outright for the first time since 1960, by beating holders Falmouth Town 4-1 in an action-packed final at Porthleven. City shared the cup with St Blazey in 1967, but their only other success came 33 year ago when they again beat Falmouth in the final. It was Truro’s first major trophy since winning the league in 1970! The turning point of the game came after just 17 minutes when Town skipper and assistant manager George Torrance was sent off. Up until then Falmouth had been on top, but with his dismissal the tide began to turn in favour of Truro. Torrance received his marching orders from referee Pearce for a senseless butt on Truro player-manager Steve Massey, who had just brought down Nigel Thwaites, for which the Truro boss was subsequently booked. Torrance’s loss of control probably cost his side any chance of victory and by half-time Truro should have the game wrapped up. They did take the lead just before the break when Darren Robison headed home a Leigh Cooper cross and Mark Gammon also blasted over from point blank range. Early in the second half Steve Wherry forced the ball home following a corner to make it 2-0, before Richard Carr gave Town a chance with a fine header from Mark Rowe’s free-kick. However, as Falmouth pushed forward Truro exposed them on the break, with Wherry heading home a Robison cross and substitute Chris Webb scoring the fourth in time added on for an injury to Massey. The Truro manager was stretchered off. However, he stayed until the final whistle to see Truro skipper Graeme Kirkup receive the trophy from league chairman Tristan Scott. After the match x-rays showed Massey had suffered severe bruising but not a broken leg as was at first feared.
1992/1993 SWL Cup Squad – Frank Bickle, Leigh Cooper, Shaun Cooper, Micky Fallon, Andy Gammon (GK), Mark Gammon, Dave Hoskin, Brian Jay, Graeme Kirkup, Steve Massey, Darren Robison, Paul Smith, Damian Stevens, Mark Symons, Darren Tallon, Dave Waters, Mark Wearne, Chris Webb, Tony Webb, Steve Wherry
South Western League Cup Appearances & Goals
Frank Bickle – 1 app – 0 goals
Leigh Cooper – 3 apps – 0 goals
Shaun Cooper – 3 apps – 1 goal
Micky Fallon – 1 app – 0 goals
Andy Gammon (GK) – 4 apps (4 starts – 0 subs) – 0 goals (1 clean sheet)
Mark Gammon – 3 apps – 0 goals
Dave Hoskin – 1 app – 0 goals
Brian Jay – 1 app – 0 goals
Graeme Kirkup – 4 apps – 0 goals
Steve Massey – 3 apps – 0 goals
Darren Robison – 3 apps – 3 goals
Paul Smith – 1 app – 0 goals
Damian Stevens – 1 app – 0 goals
Mark Symons – 4 apps – 0 goals
Dave Streat – 1 app (0 starts – 1 sub) – 0 goals
Darren Tallon – 3 apps – 0 goals
Dave Waters – 4 apps – 2 goals
Mark Wearne – 4 apps – 0 goals
Chris Webb – 4 apps – 1 goal
Tony Webb – 1 app – 0 goals
Steve Wherry – 4 apps – 2 goals
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Andy Gammon
Truro City’s double winning goalkeeper
Matt Hall “Any memories from the double winning 1992-1993 season?”
Andy Gammon “Just the relief of winning it, beating Newquay at theirs and Bodmin losing against the Police. The club deserved it as they were a great club to not have won it for so long. Great memories and I was lucky to be part of it.”
Steve Massey
Truro City’s double winning player/manager
Matt Hall “What are your memories from the 1992-1993 championship winning season?”
Steve Massey “The goal that season was to finish in the top 4, I thought we’d blown it after losing 3-2 to Bodmin (in April) but the Appledore game sticks out in my mind, it was around October/November time, we won 4-0 or 5-0, we battered them and we were full of confidence!”
Darren Robison
Truro City’s double winning striker
“I think we were still underdogs (for the 1993 South Western League Cup final) in most people’s eyes even though we were strong all season. I’d actually signed for Falmouth at the start of that season but was suspended for the opening game, when I was back and available, I fell out with Trevor Mewton, God rest his soul. We had differing ideas about how quickly I should be back in the side! I was very young and hot headed so I left and signed for Mass (Steve Massey) without playing a competitive game for Falmouth.
I was in the RAF at the time and was posted to St Mawgan late in 1992, so was travelling down to play games each weekend. I’d been back in Newquay with a mate for that weekend (1993 South Western League Cup final weekend) and we’d had a pretty good time, as you do on a bank holiday weekend in Newquay!! It was a beautiful day, really hot, and we all met up at Treyew Road beforehand for scrambled eggs and toast. Due to the good weekend I’d had, it didn’t stay down for long!
Porthleven was a great place to play, I’d played there for John Dent the season before so it felt like a home from home for me. I remember there being a fair few there that day, basking in the sunshine on the bank down one side. I don’t think we played particularly well first half, it was scrappy and full of tension. There were plenty on both sides who weren’t afraid to stand their ground. I’m not sure how long had gone but we worked Coops (Leigh Cooper) in down the left inside the box and he got right to the byline before clipping one across where I managed to sneak in at the far post and get a diving header in that Philpie couldn’t keep out. I ran off to celebrate and was dragged down to the ground around the neck by Dave Waters. Mass wound most opponents up, he always had something to say and would be chirping away at the ref all day too. I don’t remember what happened with George (Torrance) but it was game over after he was sent off. We turned on the style and strolled the rest of the game comfortably with some cracking goals. It was supposed to be one of my last games for Truro so it was very special to go out with a trophy and seal the league double too. Great memories, great season, great team. Happy days.”
Mark Rapsey
Falmouth Town’s striker
Matt Hall “Do you have any thoughts or memories from the 1993 South Western League Cup final?”
Mark Rapsey “Yeah I was injured really Matt, but came on last half hour at Port (Porthleven), just remember getting well beaten on the day. Mass first trophy as a player/manager I think? Remember him and George going at it during the match. Two old pros with no love lost!!”
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TCFC 1889 