In what was Leigh Cooper’s final season in charge of Truro City Football Club, City completed the double of the South Western League and Cornwall Senior Cup, firstly by beating Porthleven in a replay 3-2 in the Senior Cup final and then beating the same team in time added on to win the league from arch-rivals Falmouth Town, when in actual fact City had no right winning it as they were 13 points behind Town, but won their last 7 games to do so.
A double for the road…
South Western League
1 – Liskeard Athletic (A) W 2-0 (Thwaites, Bleasdale) Sat 23 Aug
Mark Gammon sent off
Team – Ian Baker (GK), Steve Wherry, Darren Redding, Graeme Kirkup, Rob Troon, Nigel Pugh, Mark Gammon, Chris Tomlinson, Damian Stevens, Nigel Thwaites, Adrian Bleasdale
Subs Used – Justin Andrew, Steve Rowson
2 – St Austell (H) W 6-0 (Thwaites 17, ??, Stevens 43, Wherry 46, Andrew 83, 86) Sat 30 Aug
Team – Ian Baker (GK), Chris Tomlinson, Darren Redding, Graeme Kirkup, Rob Troon, Nigel Pugh, Mark Gammon, Adrian Bleasdale, Damian Stevens, Nigel Thwaites, Steve Wherry
Subs Used – Justin Andrew, John Burrows, Andrew Tinsley
3 – Millbrook (A) W 1-0 (Tomlinson 23 pen) Tue 2 Sep
Team – Ian Baker (GK), Chris Tomlinson, Darren Redding, Graeme Kirkup, Rob Troon, Nigel Pugh, Mark Gammon, Adrian Bleasdale, Damian Stevens, Justin Andrew, Steve Wherry
Subs Used – Steve Rowson, John Burrows, Andrew Tinsley
Truro City who lost last season’s title on goal difference, maintained their 100 per cent start to the season with a 1-0 win at previously unbeaten Millbrook on Tuesday evening. It was City’s third straight win and they have yet to concede a goal. In a scrappy match the all-important goal for Truro came from Chris Tomlinson who ended City’s penalty jinx with a confidently struck 23rd minute spot-kick. On Saturday, City had crushed visiting St Austell 6-0 with Nigel Thwaites and substitute Justin Andrew both scoring twice. City’s other goals came from Steve Wherry and Damian Stevens.
4 – Tavistock (H) W 2-0 (Bleasdale 82, Thwaites 85) 13 Sep
Team – Bobby Wignall (GK), Chris Tomlinson, Darren Redding, Graeme Kirkup, Rob Troon, Nigel Pugh, Mark Gammon, Adrian Bleasdale, Damian Stevens, Nigel Thwaites, John Burrows
Sub Used – Justin Andrew
Assists – Tomlinson 82, Andrew 85
Four games, four wins, and no goals against. That is Truro’s proud record after this latest Jewson South Western League win at Treyew Road on Saturday. But they were given a real fright by the tough-tackling visitors, who held out until eight minutes from time. However, City’s patience paid off after an eminently forgettable 83 minutes to at last break the deadlock. Chris Tomlinson put a perfect ball into the path of Adrian Bleasdale, who stole unmarked into the area and his first time finish from 12 yards gave Tavistock keeper Matt Usher no chance. The goal released the tension that seemed to surround City for much of the game and three minutes later they made the game totally safe. Substitute Justin Andrew did well on the right before crossing for Nigel Thwaites to get in front of Usher and head a simple goal from close range. In the first half it was Tavistock who posed the greater threat, with Gary Andrew wasting a good opportunity after six minutes when he shot straight at Bobby Wignall, who was standing in for regular keeper Ian Baker, who was unavailable. Wignall also did well to turn over a dipping James Cole free-kick. Truro struggled to create chances as Tavistock closed them down with some aggressive tackling, though Nigel Thwaites should have done better with a 25th minute header which he directed straight at Usher. After the break City dominated possession without really threatening despite the urgings of outstanding central defender Graeme Kirkup, who made several storming runs into the Tavistock half. They were also very fortunate not to be reduced to 10 men when Darren Redding and former Truro winger Andy Bowker needlessly clashed following a foul by the Tavistock player. Referee David Sparks did not even book the players who escaped with just a talking to, when many officials would surely have reached for the red card. In the end Truro’s extra class told and they trail leaders Porthleven by just one point with a game in hand. West Briton & Cornwall Advertiser
P-4 W-4 D-0 L-0 F-11 A-0 PTS-12 POS-2nd
5 – Torpoint Athletic (A) W 3-0 (Thwaites, Stevens, Gammon) 27 Sep
Team – Ian Baker (GK), Chris Tomlinson, Darren Redding, Graeme Kirkup, Rob Troon, Nigel Pugh, Mark Gammon, Adrian Bleasdale, Damian Stevens, Nigel Thwaites, Steve Wherry
Subs Used – Justin Andrew, Steve Rowson, Andrew Tinsley
6 – St Blazey (H) W 1-0 (Tomlinson) 4 Oct
Team – Ian Baker, Chris Tomlinson, Darren Redding, John Burrows, Rob Troon, Nigel Pugh, Mark Gammon, Adrian Bleasdale, Damian Stevens, Nigel Thwaites, Steve Wherry
Subs Used – Justin Andrew, Steve Rowson
7 – Wadebridge Town (A) L 1-2 (Thwaites) 11 Oct
Team – Ian Baker (GK), Chris Tomlinson, Darren Redding, John Burrows, Rob Troon, Nigel Pugh, Mark Gammon, Adrian Bleasdale, Damian Stevens, Nigel Thwaites, Steve Wherry
Subs Used – Justin Andrew, Leigh Cooper
8 – Saltash United (A) D 2-2 (Tomlinson 55, Thwaites 82) 25 Oct
Team – Ian Baker (GK), Chris Tomlinson, Darren Redding, Graeme Kirkup, Rob Troon, Nigel Pugh, Mark Gammon, Adrian Bleasdale, Justin Andrew, Nigel Thwaites, Steve Wherry
Subs Used – Damian Stevens, Steve Rowson
9 – Holsworthy (H) W 4-0 (Wherry, Gammon, Andrew, Burrows) 1 Nov
Team – Ian Baker (GK), Chris Tomlinson, Darren Redding, Graeme Kirkup, Rob Troon, Nigel Pugh, Mark Gammon, Adrian Bleasdale, Justin Andrew, Nigel Thwaites, Steve Wherry
Subs Used – Steve Rowson, John Burrows, Damian Stevens
Truro City took advantage of Falmouth and Porthleven’s FA Vase exploits to extend their lead to four points at the top of the Jewson South Western League. They thrashed Holsworthy 4-0 at Treyew Road after racing to a 3-0 half-time lead. Goals came from Steve Wherry, Mark Gammon and Justin Andrew, and in the second period substitute John Burrows completed the scoring. West Briton & Cornwall Advertiser
P-9 W-7 D-1 L-1 F-22 A-4 PTS-22 POS-1st
10 – St Austell (A) D 1-1 (Gammon 24) Sun 9 Nov
Team – Ian Baker (GK), Chris Tomlinson, Darren Redding, Graeme Kirkup, Rob Troon, Nigel Pugh, Mark Gammon, Adrian Bleasdale, Justin Andrew, Nigel Thwaites, Steve Wherry
Subs Used – Damian Stevens, Steve Rowson, John Burrows
Truro’s need for a reliable goal scorer was again embarrassingly apparent as as they saw their Jewson South Western League title hopes suffer another unexpected setback at Poltair. City had enough chances to have won the game several times over, but failed to take them and two valuable points were surrendered against a limited home team who Truro beat 6-0 at the start of the season. The failure to take chances and kill inferior teams off cost City last season’s championship and unless Truro find their goalscoring boots soon it will again be another season of disappointment. Sunday’s draw means they have taken two points out of the last nine and although they still head the table, champions Falmouth Town are just behind with two games in hand. Truro started the match confidently with Robert Troon heading over, but were then caught after just six minutes when Jerry Solomon’s through ball gave Martin Bidgood the chance to finish from the edge of the area with Truro appealing in vain for offside. City piled forward only to miss a hatful of chances when it seemed easier to score. When they did draw level after 24 minutes it was courtesy of home keeper Neil Hunkin who could only help a Mark Gammon corner into his own net. Nigel Thwaites, Justin Andrew and Steve Wherry were all profligate in front of goal. Even when St Austell were forced to play for all but five minutes of the second half with substitute Duncan Powell in goal, when Hunkin was injured, they still could not find the target. Their performance became more ragged, lacking in ideas on how to breach a no more than workmanlike home side’s defence. Thwaites blasted a great chance wide when he should surely have scored. Manager Leigh Cooper brought on Damian Stevens, Steve Rowson and John Burrows, but it made little difference. It could have been worse when Andy Parr’s free-kick with six minutes left clipped the outside of the post. Rhod Mitchell, Truro & Mid Cornwall Briton
11 – Newquay (H) W 4-0 (Tomlinson, Troon, Gammon, Burrows) 2 Dec
Team – Ian Baker (GK), Chris Tomlinson, Darren Redding, Graeme Kirkup, Rob Troon, Nigel Pugh, Mark Gammon, John Burrows, Andy Waddell, Steve Wherry, Damian Stevens
Subs Used – Justin Andrew, Steve Rowson
12 – Porthleven (A) W 3-1 (Waddell 45, Burrows 46, Thwaites) 6 Dec
Team – Ian Baker (GK), Chris Tomlinson, Darren Redding, Graeme Kirkup, Rob Troon, Nigel Pugh, Mark Gammon, Adrian Bleasdale, Andy Waddell, Nigel Thwaites, John Burrows
Subs Used – Steve Wherry, Damian Stevens, Justin Andrew
It was Porthleven’s second successive defeat after an unbeaten run of 13 matches and the victory allowed Truro to go five points clear at the top. Andy Waddell put Truro ahead against his former club at half-time, with John Burrows making it 2-0 after just 23 seconds of the second half. Although Porthleven striker Charlie Legg pulled a goal back from the penalty spot, a bad mistake by keeper Gary Penhaligon gifted Truro their third goal as he allowed a back pass to trickle into the net. West Briton & Cornwall Advertiser
P-12 W-9 D-2 L-1 F-30 A-6 PTS-29 POS-1st
13 – Liskeard Athletic (H) W 3-0 (Waddell 40, 41, 76) Sat 13 Dec
Team – Ian Baker (GK), Chris Tomlinson, Darren Redding, Graeme Kirkup, Rob Troon, Nigel Pugh, Mark Gammon, John Burrows, Andy Waddell, Nigel Thwaites, Adrian Bleasdale
Subs Used – Steve Wherry, Justin Andrew, Darren Tallon
Assists – Gammon 41, Thwaites 76
New City striker Andy Waddell showed just why Truro boss Leigh Cooper has brought him to the club with a splendid hat-trick to sink Liskeard at Treyew Road on Saturday. His goals took his tally to five in just four games since his move from St Blazey and they kept City five points clear at the top of the Jewson South Western League. A lack of a consistent scorer cost City dearly last season, but the arrival of Waddell could be the missing piece in the jigsaw that makes up a championship winning side. Saturday’s match was one that Truro dominated almost throughout against a hard-working though limited Liskeard side who Truro beat 2-0 on the opening day of the season at Lux Park. However, it took them some 20 minutes to create their first decent chance when Waddell did well to cross from the left only for Mark Gammon to blaze the chance over the bar. A minute later Nigel Thwaites shot wide after a good interchange of passes with Graeme Kirkup as Truro strained for the breakthrough. Liskeard keeper Mark Henwood also saved well from Waddell before Truro at last made the breakthrough five minutes before the interval. A long clearance kick by City keeper Ian Baker reached John Burrows and his first time drive was only parried by Henwood and Waddell followed up to tuck away the loose ball. A minute later Mark Gammon’s cross from the right reached Waddell who controlled it expertly before slamming the ball past Henwood from 10 yards. After the break Liskeard never seriously looked like getting back into the game as the Truro defence again showed why it is the meanest in the league. Indeed it was Truro who had the better chances with Gammon behind many of their best moves in his last game before starting a 21-day ban for being sent off against Liskeard in August. Henwood saved superbly from Thwaites tipping his shot onto the bar while Chris Tomlinson clipped the top of the bar with a tremendous volley. The combative Tomlinson, who had been booked in the first half, was lucky still to be on the pitch after tangling with Liskeard striker Roger Bonaparte. Referee Edmondson instead let both men off with a few stern words. It was not until the 76th minute that Waddell completed his first hat-trick for the club when he latched on to Thwaites’ right wing cross and forced the ball home, though Liskeard were convinced he had handled the ball before netting. Henwood even came out of his goal to confront the referee’s assistant, but the goal stood and City were left as more than comfortable winners as they made it six wins out of six at home in the league. Rhod Mitchell, West Briton & Cornwall Advertiser
14 – Launceston (H) W 4-0 (Burrows, Wherry 48, Waddell 58, 82) Tue 16 Dec
Team – Ian Baker (GK), Chris Tomlinson, Darren Redding, Darren Tallon, Rob Troon, Nigel Pugh, Damian Stevens, Justin Andrew, Andy Waddell, Steve Wherry, John Burrows
Subs Used – Dominic Pullen, Patrick Danes
Truro City were in no mood to hand out early Christmas presents to lowly Launceston in their Jewson South Western League match at Treyew Road on Tuesday. Falmouth Town’s postponed match against Wadebridge means that Truro’s routine 4-0 win takes them eight points clear at the top, although they have played four more games than their perennial rivals. Swirling, wet snow and an icy wind greeted the players, but it was going to need more than a nip in the air to prevent City from extending their 100 per cent home record. They have not conceded a goal at home in the league, so Launceston’s return of 13 goals in nine games looked unlikely to break the mould. City, who had Graeme Kirkup, Adrian Bleasdale and Nigel Thwaites unavailable and Mark Gammon suspended, began rather disjointedly and did little to warm the shivering spectators. Justin Andrew, full of positive running in City’s attack, provided the first eye-catching moment. His deft touch gave Andy Waddell a clear dash on goal, but his shot from eight yards was well parried by Chris Stacey. Neither side threatened again until the 24th minute, when Launceston’s Darren Cliffe spun his marker on the halfway line and played a perfectly weighted through-ball into the path of Lee Kelman, who dragged his shot wide of Ian Baker’s left hand post. A super piece of trickery from Andrew wide on the right then set up Chris Tomlinson for a drive that was again parried by Stacey, this time Waddell followed up and earned a corner. Redding swung it in, and a host of heads jumped for the ball, swamping Stacey in the process, but John Burrows’ header crossed the line and the goal was given. Three minutes into the second half the game was all but over. Andrew played a lovely pass to Waddell, whose shot was blocked, but Steve Wherry mopped up the rebound. Ten minutes later Waddell finally found the net himself after outpacing a tiring defence. He added a fourth eight minutes from time. City will now be hoping to take their rich vein of form into the crucial Boxing Day clash with Falmouth, who by contrast, were left frustrated by Tuesday’s Bickland Park postponement against Wadebridge. Matt Dixon, West Briton & Cornwall Advertiser
P-14 W-11 D-2 L-1 F-37 A-6 PTS-35 POS-1st
15 – Torpoint Athletic (H) W 4-1 (Wherry 19, Waddell 50, 64, 71) Sat 17 Jan
Team – Ian Baker (GK), Damian Stevens, Darren Redding, Darren Tallon, Rob Troon, Nigel Pugh, Steve Wherry, John Burrows, Andy Waddell, Nigel Thwaites, Adrian Bleasdale
Subs Used – Justin Andrew, Mark Gammon, Graeme Kirkup
In the league, Falmouth Town now trail leaders Truro City by five points after Truro demolished visiting Torpoint 4-1 on Saturday. Once again City’s scoring hero was striker Andy Waddell with his second successive hat-trick, as he took his tally to 14 goals in just seven league games since his move from St Blazey. City had gone ahead with a first half goal from Steve Wherry, while Torpoint grabbed a late consolation through substitute James Mitchell. It was the first goal that Truro have conceded at home in the league this season and Saturday’s win maintained their 100 per cent record at Treyew Road. West Briton & Cornwall Advertiser
P-15 W-12 D-2 L-1 F-41 A-7 PTS-38 POS-1st
16 – Newquay (A) W 7-1 (Wheatman OG, Evans OG, Wherry x3, Thwaites, Waddell) Sat 24 Jan
Team – Ian Baker (GK), Damian Stevens, Darren Redding, Darren Tallon, Rob Troon, Nigel Pugh, Steve Wherry, John Burrows, Andy Waddell, Nigel Thwaites, Adrian Bleasdale
Subs Used – Graeme Kirkup, Justin Andrew
Truro City opened up an eight-point lead over their rivals at the top of the Jewson South Western League table after a seven-goal spree against Newquay at Mount Wise on Saturday. City were given a flying start by the generosity of two own goals by home defenders Sasha Wheatman and Dominic Evans. Steve Wherry and Nigel Thwaites then put the result beyond doubt before the break. Although Darren Higman pulled one back for the Peppermints just 30 seconds into the second half, there was no holding the free-scoring Truro attack. Wherry struck twice more to complete a handsome hat-trick and Andy Waddell slotted his 15th goal in eight games as the visitors ran out easy 7-1 winners. West Briton & Cornwall Advertiser
P-16 W-13 D-2 L-1 F-48 A-8 PTS-41 POS-1st
17 – Bodmin Town (A) L 1-2 (Burrows 13) Sat 7 Feb
Team – Ian Baker (GK), Chris Tomlinson, Darren Redding, Darren Tallon, Graeme Kirkup, Nigel Pugh, Damian Stevens, John Burrows, Andy Waddell, Nigel Thwaites, Adrian Bleasdale
Subs Used – Steve Wherry, Justin Andrew
Former Truro striker Justin Norman came back to haunt his old club when his dramatic late winner sent City to only their second Jewson South Western League defeat of the season on Saturday. Norman, who left Truro for Priory Park during the summer, pounced with just five minutes left, leaving leaders City now just four points clear of Falmouth Town, who could only draw 1-1 at St Austell. With Falmouth also three games in hand, Truro can ill-afford many more slips if the championship pennant is to fly above Treyew Road again. City manager Leigh Cooper gave a recall to midfielder Chris Tomlinson after injury and left out defender Robert Troon with Graeme Kirkup restored to the defence. But in truth, both moves never really came off with Tomlinson looking short of match fitness and the defence left rather short of pace. Ironically the game had started well for Truro as they took the lead after 13 minutes, but a poor second half display was to cost them dearly. It was skipper John Burrows who gave Truro such a good start when Bodmin failed to clear a free-kick and his header looped over flat-footed home keeper Mark Pearsall. Four minutes later only a fine point-blank save by Pearsall prevented Nigel Thwaites making it 2-0 from a cross by Damian Stevens. It was to prove a crucial save and Truro were unable to increase their advantage before the break. Andy Waddell came close and Thwaites looked dangerous, but a second goal just would not come in a highly-competitive and at times ill-tempered encounter. Tomlinson marked his return with yet another booking, while Bodmin’s Richard Daly was also shown the yellow card for a foul on the City midfielder. Bodmin came out strongly at the start of the second half and within two minutes were level. Truro were slow coming back in defence after a corner and Gary Dyer and Chris Hawke combined to set up James Lynch, who gave Ian Baker no chance with a close range flick into the corner. On a heavy pitch Truro seemed to labour to gain control against a Bodmin side who seemed much more likely to clinch the points. Although Waddell went just wide with one shot, at the other end Hawke miscued a glorious chance from Dyer’s cross with the goal at his mercy. Just when Truro seemed to be hanging on for a point, disaster struck as Norman forced the ball past Baker from Daly’s flick-on. There was no way back for Truro, although substitute Justin Andrew forced a good save out of Pearsall in a frantic finale. Truro were left to reflect on a sub-standard second half performance. Rhod Mitchell, West Briton & Cornwall Advertiser
P-17 W-13 D-2 L-2 F-49 A-10 PTS-41 POS-1st
18 – Holsworthy (A) W 3-1 (Burrows, Waddell pen, Tallon) Tue 24 Feb
Team – Ian Baker (GK), Chris Tomlinson, Darren Redding, Darren Tallon, Rob Troon, Nigel Pugh, Damian Stevens, John Burrows, Andy Waddell, Nigel Thwaites, Adrian Bleasdale
Subs Used – Danny McTighe, Justin Andrew, Steve Wherry
Truro City extended their lead at the top of the Jewson South Western League table to four points with a splendid 3-1 win at Holsworthy on Tuesday evening. Despite dominating the first half it was not until the second period that they at last made the breakthrough. New signing Danny McTighe, who had come on for the injured Damian Stevens, crossed for Andy Waddell who set up skipper John Burrows to score. Waddell was then brought down for a penalty, which he himself converted, before Holsworthy pulled a goal back through Ian Rowe. However, central defender Darren Tallon made the points safe with a headed goal from Adrian Bleasdale’s free-kick. It was a display that delighted City boss Leigh Cooper. He said: “I was very pleased with our performance, it was a very professional display.” West Briton & Cornwall Advertiser
P-18 W-14 D-2 L-2 F-52 A-11 PTS-44 POS-1st
19 – Millbrook (H) L 0-2 Sat 28 Feb
Team – Ian Baker (GK), Chris Tomlinson, Darren Redding, Graeme Kirkup, Rob Troon, Nigel Pugh, Danny McTighe, John Burrows, Andy Waddell, Steve Wherry, Adrian Bleasdale
Subs Used – Justin Andrew, Leigh Cooper
Truro’s Jewson South Western League title ambitions suffered a sickening blow with this shock defeat on Saturday. It was the first points they have dropped at home this season and it was a result City boss Leigh Cooper described as a “kick in the teeth”. He added: “It was a big defeat for us and certainly makes it hard to win the championship. But there are plenty of games to go and we are still capable of doing it. It is all down to the players’ attitudes. They were without Nigel Thwaites, because of naval duties, and the injured Damian Stevens, so gave a home debut to former Millbrook player Danny McTighe. Truro dominated the first half against a determined Millbrook side whose keeper Steve Wardle made several excellent stops. The visitors did not have a shot in the opening 45 minutes, such was Truro’s dominance. But Truro could not find the net and were punished 10 minutes into the second period when big Millbrook defender Shaun Clench headed home from a corner. Worse was to follow 10 minutes later when poor Truro defending allowed Lee Harvey to lob Ian Baker and leave City with a mountain to climb. Cooper and Justin Andrew came on in an effort to retrieve the situation. Rhod Mitchell, West Briton & Cornwall Advertiser
P-19 W-14 D-2 L-3 F-52 A-13 PTS-44 POS-1st
20 – Launceston (A) W 3-0 (Burrows 17, Wherry 40, 47) Sat 14 Mar Redding missed pen
Team – Ian Baker (GK), Chris Tomlinson, Darren Redding, Darren Tallon, Rob Troon, Nigel Pugh, Damian Stevens, John Burrows, Jeff Babb, Steve Wherry, Adrian Bleasdale
Subs Used – Graeme Kirkup, Danny McTighe, Justin Andrew
Assists – Stevens 17, Bleasdale 47
Truro were never extended as they comfortably overcame struggling Launceston at Pennygillam on Saturday in the Jewson South Western League. The only surprise was the league leaders managed to find the net just three times after completely dominating their whole-hearted, but limited opponents. They missed the goal-poaching skills of Andy Waddell, who missed the game because of a leg injury. If he had been playing he would surely have helped himself to a hatful of goals despite the excellence of Launceston keeper Chris Stacey who produced a string of fine saves including a penalty stop from Darren Redding’s spot-kick. The game was one-sided with Truro on top from the start as they defeated Launceston’s offside trap at regular intervals. In the first minute Steve Wherry missed a great chance after being put clear and Jeff Babb, John Burrows and Chris Tomlinson were similarly wasteful before City went ahead after 17 minutes. Wherry laid the ball back to Damian Stevens on the right and his far post cross was met by Burrows whose close range header gave Stacey no chance. This should have been the signal for an avalanche of goals, but Truro continued to miss chances with Burrows shooting over and Stacey blocking Adrian Bleasdale’s efforts. But five minutes before the break Truro grabbed the second goal when Wherry netted after a tremendous goalmouth scramble. It took Truro just two minutes of the second period to make it 3-0 when Bleasdale’s cross gave Wherry a chance to net at the far post. Three minutes later Wherry was felled in the area, but Truro’s penalty jinx continued when Stacey flung himself high to his left to turn away Redding’s well-struck kick. With Truro in command Truro boss Leigh Cooper brought on substitutes Graeme Kirkup and Danny McTighe for Nigel Pugh and Chris Tomlinson respectively. Wherry and Babb missed good openings as the game meandered to its conclusion with Truro mindful of much sterner challenges ahead starting with title rivals Falmouth Town at Bickland Park on Tuesday – a game which City really must win. Rhod Mitchell, West Briton & Cornwall Advertiser
21 – St Blazey (A) W 1-0 (Redding) 18 Mar
Team – Ian Baker (GK), Chris Tomlinson, Darren Redding, Darren Tallon, Rob Troon, Nigel Pugh, Damian Stevens, John Burrows, Steve Wherry, Nigel Thwaites, Graeme Kirkup
Sub Used – Justin Andrew
P-21 W 16 D-2 L-3 F-56 A-13 PTS-50 POS-1st
22 – Falmouth Town (A) D 0-0 24 Mar
Team – Ian Baker (GK), Chris Tomlinson, Darren Redding, Graeme Kirkup, Darren Tallon, Nigel Pugh, Damian Stevens, John Burrows, Andy Waddell, Rob Troon, Adrian Bleasdale
Subs Used – Steve Wherry, Danny McTighe, Jeff Babb
P-22 W-16 D-3 L-3 F-56 A-13 PTS-51 POS-2nd
23 – Bodmin Town (H) L 0-1 7 Apr
Team – Ian Baker (GK), Rob Troon, Darren Redding, Graeme Kirkup, Darren Tallon, Nigel Pugh, Damian Stevens, John Burrows, Justin Andrew, Nigel Thwaites, Adrian Bleasdale
Subs Used – None
The all-important goal came after just nine minutes when James Lynch lobbed Truro keeper Ian Baker as he rushed out of his goal. Truro never really looked like getting back into the game as Bodmin defended splendidly to complete the league double over a disappointing Truro team whose only hopes of silverware this season rest in the Cornwall Senior Cup and League Cup finals. Truro are in action at home to Saltash on Wednesday evening and the following Saturday entertain Falmouth Town, who must now be strong favourites to keep the championship pennant flying over Bickland Park, though there could yet be a few twists and turns before the end of the season. West Briton & Cornwall Advertiser
24 – Falmouth Town (H) W 3-0 (Babb x2, Wherry) 18 Apr
Team – Ian Baker (GK), Chris Tomlinson, Darren Redding, Graeme Kirkup, Rob Troon, Nigel Pugh, Damian Stevens, Jeff Babb, Steve Wherry, Nigel Thwaites, Adrian Bleasdale
Subs Used – Darren Tallon, Danny McTighe, Justin Andrew
The title issue was left wide open following Truro City’s 3-0 drubbing of Falmouth at Treyew Road on Saturday. Town, who had lost just one league game before the start of play, looked anything but runaway league leaders in a game that the hosts dominated. An own goal by Town defender Anthony Tonkin was sandwiched by two headers from Jeff Babb, and sharper finishing from City could have resulted in a rugby scoreline. Falmouth are still in the driving seat though. They are 10 points clear of City, who have two games in hand, and 12 points clear of Port, who have three in hand. But if the Fishermen net maximum points from their remaining seven games, which include trips to Falmouth and Truro, they will win the league for the first time in their history. West Briton & Cornwall Advertiser
P-24 W-17 D-3 L-4 F-59 A-14 PTS-54 POS-2nd
Table (top 3)
1 – Falmouth Town – P-26 W-20 D-4 L-2 F-68 A-28 PTS-64
2 – Truro City – P-24 W-17 D-3 L-4 F-59 A-14 PTS-54
3 – Porthleven – P-23 W-16 D-4 L-3 F-78 A-22 PTS-52
25 – Saltash United (H) W 2-0 (Thwaites, Troon) 26 Apr
Team – Ian Baker (GK), Chris Tomlinson, Darren Redding, Graeme Kirkup, Rob Troon, Nigel Pugh, Damian Stevens, Jeff Babb, Steve Wherry, Nigel Thwaites, Adrian Bleasdale
Sub Used – Justin Andrew
26 – Penzance (H) W 2-0 (Babb x2) Tue 28 Apr
Team – Ian Baker (GK), Chris Tomlinson, Darren Redding, Graeme Kirkup, Rob Troon, Darren Tallon, Damian Stevens, Justin Andrew, Jeff Babb, Danny McTighe, Chris Webb
Subs Used – None
If Truro City can win their match at lowly Tavistock, the pressure will be right back on Falmouth Town at the top of the Jewson South Western League. The Treyew Road side were deprived of six regulars on Tuesday night, but produced a steely performance to beat Penzance 2-0. Boss Leigh Cooper said: “Considering the quality that was missing it speaks volumes for the character of the side that we produced a performance and result like that. The players could have been forgiven for surrendering the league and settling for the Senior Cup and another cup final on Monday, but their attitude and commitment was first class.”
27 – Tavistock (A) W 6-0 (Tomlinson x2, Babb x2, Stevens, Andrew) Thu 30 Apr
Team – Ian Baker (GK), Chris Tomlinson, Darren Redding, Graeme Kirkup, Rob Troon, Nigel Pugh, Damian Stevens, Justin Andrew, Jeff Babb, Nigel Thwaites, Danny McTighe
Subs Used – Darren Tallon, Dominic Pullen, Leigh Cooper
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Truro City manager Leigh Cooper is to leave the club at the end of the season. The former Plymouth Argyle captain, who celebrates his 37th birthday today (7th May), has decided to step down after four seasons in charge at Treyew Road. He told the players after Monday’s Jewson South Western League Cup final defeat by Bodmin, but had informed club officials several weeks before of his decision. Speaking exclusively to Sport Briton this week, Cooper, who has guided the club to the Jewson South Western League title and two Cornwall Senior Cups, plus two Jewson SWL finals, gave his reasons for deciding to quit. “I just feel that the time is right. All good things must come to an end. I feel I have taken this squad as far as I can take them.” Cooper, who had a season and a half as a player at Truro before breaking his leg, emphatically denied that he had another managerial position fixed up. “Contrary to popular belief I have not spoken to any club or been approached, in fact the only offer I have had for next season is to manage my son’s under-14 team. But I want to stay in the game and I am looking for a fresh challenge. I would like to do a ‘Truro’ at another club and would listen to any offers that came along. The club has been superb to me throughout and I wish them every success in the future.” During his time at Truro the club have never finished worse than third in the league and are still in the hunt for this season’s title. City have lost just 17 out of 127 league games while he has been in charge. Now the club have to search for a replacement and assistant Graeme Kirkup is expected to be among the front-runners for the job. West Briton & Cornwall Advertiser
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28 – Wadebridge Town (H) W 2-0 (Bleasdale 4, Wherry 77) Sat 9 May
Team – Ian Baker (GK), Chris Tomlinson, Darren Redding, Graeme Kirkup, Rob Troon, Nigel Pugh, Damian Stevens, John Burrows, Jeff Babb, Steve Wherry, Adrian Bleasdale
Subs Used – Justin Andrew, Nigel Thwaites
Assist – Thwaites 77
Goals by Adrian Bleasdale and Steve Wherry were enough to earn Truro all three points on Saturday in a game in which the result was all important for City. A tricky wind and firm pitch made good football difficult, but Truro were deserved winners to avenge their defeat at Wadebridge earlier in the season. They got off to a dream start after just four minutes when Adrian Bleasdale’s low diagonal drive from outside the area was cleverly dummied by John Burrows, who let the ball run through his legs and into the far corner past wrong-footed Wadebridge keeper Mark Gears. Wadebridge threatened for a spell with Nicky Ward shooting over, but in general Truro were in control though they struggled to create chances against a well-organised Wadebridge defence. Bleasdale was desperately unlucky at the start of the second half when his fierce long range drive came back off the bar and Gears saved well from Burrows. Truro needed the insurance of a second goal to calm their nerves but it did not come until the 77th minute when substitute Nigel Thwaites put Wherry clear and he lobbed Gears to wrap up a vital win. West Briton & Cornwall Advertiser
29 – Penzance (A) W 3-0 (Babb 4, 7, 65) Mon 11 May
Team – James Dungey (GK), Chris Tomlinson, Darren Redding, Graeme Kirkup, Rob Troon, Nigel Pugh, Damian Stevens, Steve Wherry, Jeff Babb, Nigel Thwaites, John Burrows
Subs Used – Justin Andrew, Danny McTighe, Leigh Cooper
Assists – Thwaites 4, 65
Two down one to go. City’s second Jewson South Western League win in three days set them up for a Jewson South Western League title decider at home to Porthleven. With Porthleven winning 2-1 at Falmouth on Tuesday, City know that victory over the Fishermen will see them lift the championship in what will be Leigh Cooper’s last game in charge. After their 2-0 home win over Wadebridge on Saturday, City travelled to Penlee Park on Monday knowing that anything less than victory would see their title hopes effectively disappear. And they did not disappoint their fans as they secured a comprehensive victory with a tremendous all-round display highlighted by a superb hat-trick from striker Jeff Babb. Penzance have proved to be something of a bogey side for Truro in recent seasons, but City were in no mood to slip up as they raced into a 2-0 lead after just seven minutes. After four minutes Babb rose superbly to head home a left wing cross from Nigel Thwaites, giving former City keeper Dennis Annear no chance. Inspired by such a great start, Truro continued to tear holes in the home defence and three minutes later Chris Tomlinson’s shot was partially blocked by the Penzance defence. As the ball looped forward it fell kindly for Babb who expertly lifted the ball over the stranded Annear from 10 yards. It was just the start Truro wanted and only a fine save from Annear who tipped over a powerful Thwaites header prevented City from going 3-0 up. Truro gave a debut to keeper James Dungey, who was formerly with Plymouth Argyle and Exeter City and now plays his football for Bridport. He came in for regular Ian Baker who has gone on holiday. Dungey was given plenty of protection by the league’s meanest defence and was only once called into serious first half action when he did well to turn away a low drive from Dave Burt after a long ball had eluded Graeme Kirkup. But it was an isolated scare for Truro, though Penzance never gave up and came out strongly at the start of the second half without ever really creating a clear cut opening. Truro though needed another goal to make sure of the points and it came after 65 minutes when a Thwaites through ball was missed by the Penzance defence giving Babb the chance to race clear and showing ice-cool calm, slip the ball past Annear to complete his first hat-trick for the club. It effectively ended the game as a contest as Truro made it six wins in a row, during which they have not conceded a goal. West Briton & Cornwall Advertiser
30 – Porthleven (H) W 2-1 (Babb 49, Tomlinson 90 + 3) Thu 14 May
Team – James Dungey (GK), Rob Troon, Graeme Kirkup, Nigel Pugh, Damien Stevens, Nigel Thwaites, Adrian Bleasdale, Chris Tomlinson, Darren Redding, Jeff Babb, Steve Wherry
Subs Used – John Burrows, Justin Andrew, Mark Gammon
Position – CHAMPIONS!!!
What goes around comes around. Just a year ago a bizarre own goal deprived Truro of the Jewson South-Western League title, instead handing the championship to arch-rivals Falmouth Town on goal difference. But at Treyew Road the wheel turned full circle when another strange goal gave City the title by one point at the expense of Falmouth. City needed to beat Porthleven to be sure of the title after hearing that Falmouth had won 3-1 at Liskeard on the same evening, in a game which kicked off 30 minutes before Truro’s match. But with the game into the third minute of injury time and the score deadlocked at 1-1 it looked as if Truro would suffer heartbreak for the second successive season. Jewson SWL chairman Tristan Scott had already gone to his car to bring in the runners-up trophy but then had to do a quick about-turn as Truro regained the lead. They won a free-kick on the left and City must have known it was their last chance of glory. Darren Redding swung the ball in and as Porthleven failed to clear the danger, the ball came to Chris Tomlinson, for whom bookings are much more common than goals. His attempted shot looped off a Porthleven defender and almost seemingly in slow motion curved into the back of the Porthleven net past stranded keeper Danny Carveth. It sparked scenes of wild celebrations among a big crowd, though Truro still had to survive another three minutes of stoppage time before referee Peter Foxwell’s final whistle saw the title return to Truro for the second time in three years. Emotional scenes followed as Truro fans came on to the pitch to congratulate the team who just a few weeks ago trailed Falmouth by a massive 13 points. City had finished their league season with seven straight wins conceding just one goal in the process to pip Falmouth, who must have thought they had the title wrapped up. It was an especially emotional occasion for City manager Leigh Cooper who was taking charge of the side for the final time after announcing his decision to leave the club after four seasons in charge. During that time he has guided them to two league titles and two Cornwall Senior Cup successes as well as twice being runners-up in the League Cup. And after the game he was full of praise for his side’s achievements. “It means everything. The lads have been absolutely fantastic. What a way to go out.” And match winner Chris Tomlinson, in his first season at the club, was equally thrilled, despite finishing the match with a broken nose. “What a way to finish. I was a bit fortunate really. I got the ball on the bounce and it deflected over the keeper. It was tremendous.” Certainly a Hollywood scriptwriter could not have written a better ending to a dramatic night of ups and downs for City. Cheered on by by far the biggest crowd of the season they started brightly enough with Nigel Thwaites heading wastefully over from Redding’s second minute corner. Carveth, who normally plays for St Agnes, but who was standing in for the injured Gary Penhaligon, did well to hold a Tomlinson free-kick, but as the half wore on Porthleven began to look more threatening. They had gone into the match knowing they had to win to have any chance of finishing top and then only if Falmouth slipped up at Liskeard. Dave Larsen should have done better with a header from Charlie Legg’s cross and as the game became increasingly edgy Truro desperately needed a goal, and four minutes into the second half they got it. Redding’s corner from the left was met at the near post by Jeff Babb and his header crossed the line before Porthleven could hook the ball clear. Steve Wherry could have sealed it seven minutes later, but failed to convert a cross from Thwaites. Babb then hit the post with a snap shot as City battled to get the crucial second goal. Porthleven brought on former Sheffield Wednesday forward Gary Bannister for Bruce Jane and Porthleven began to enjoy their best spell of the match as Truro started to defend too deeply. And with just 18 minutes to go Porthleven’s best player Darren Wills, levelled the scores when he was given too much time at the edge of the area to fire an unstoppable drive past James Dungey with the ball going in off the underside of the bar. It was a sickener for Truro who could see their title dreams ebbing away and it could have been even worse if Dungey had not saved well from George Torrance’s free-kick. It was hard to see where a Truro goal was coming from despite the last gasp introduction of Mark Gammon and Justin Andrew. But just when the game looked up for City the footballing gods decided they had suffered enough and the championship pennant will deservedly fly over Treyew Road next season. Once again their defence was outstanding and in 30 league games they have conceded just 15 goals, only five at home. They gave the league’s most dangerous pairing of Charlie Legg and Martin Gritton little opportunity to show their skills and a limping Gritton was replaced before the end. But overall it has been a tremendous team performance throughout the season which has seen them lose just four league games, strangely one more than Falmouth. Now whoever takes over from Cooper has a hard act to follow. The strong favourite is current assistant and player Graeme Kirkup. An announcement is expected shortly. West Briton & Cornwall Advertiser
League Table
1 – TRURO CITY – 30 – 23 – 03 – 04 – 76 – 15 – 72 (C)
2 – Falmouth Town – 30 – 22 – 05 – 03 – 76 – 33 – 71
3 – Porthleven – 30 – 20 – 06 – 04 – 88 – 24 – 66
4 – St Blazey – 30 – 16 – 03 – 11 – 60 – 39 – 51
5 – Torpoint Athletic – 30 – 15 – 04 – 11 – 71 – 56 – 49
6 – Millbrook – 30 – 14 – 07 – 09 – 52 – 42 – 49
7 – Bodmin Town – 30 – 15 – 04 – 11 – 51 – 48 – 49
8 – Penzance – 30 – 13 – 08 – 09 – 54 – 46 – 47
9 – Saltash United – 30 – 14 – 03 – 13 – 63 – 60 – 45
10 – Holsworthy – 30 – 13 – 05 – 12 – 61 – 67 – 44
11 – Wadebridge Town – 30 – 11 – 02 – 17 – 40 – 53 – 35
12 – Liskeard Athletic – 30 – 07 – 06 – 17 – 45 – 64 – 27
13 – Newquay – 30 – 08 – 03 – 19 – 37 – 73 – 27
14 – St Austell – 30 – 05 – 08 – 17 – 33 – 82 – 23
15 – Tavistock – 30 – 03 – 06 – 21 – 38 – 87 – 15
16 – Launceston – 30 – 03 – 03 – 24 – 27 – 83 – 12
1997/1998 SWL Squad – Justin Andrew, Jeff Babb, Ian Baker (GK), Adrian Bleasdale, John Burrows, Leigh Cooper, Patrick Danes, James Dungey (GK), Mark Gammon, Graeme Kirkup, Danny McTigue, Nigel Pugh, Dominic Pullen, Darren Redding, Steve Rowson, Damian Stevens, Darren Tallon, Nigel Thwaites, Andrew Tinsley, Chris Tomlinson, Rob Troon, Andy Waddell, Chris Webb, Steve Wherry, Bobby Wignall (GK)
South Western League Appearances & Goals
Justin Andrew – 29 apps (8 starts – 21 subs) – 4 goals
Jeff Babb – 9 apps (8 starts – 1 sub) – 10 goals
Ian Baker (GK) – 27 apps (27 starts – 0 subs) – 0 goals (17 clean sheets)
Adrian Bleasdale – 24 apps (24 starts – 0 subs) – 3 goals
John Burrows – 23 apps (18 starts – 5 subs) – 7 goals
Leigh Cooper – 4 apps (0 starts – 4 subs) – 0 goals
Patrick Danes – 1 app (0 starts – 1 sub) – 0 goals
James Dungey (GK) – 2 apps (2 starts – 0 subs) – 0 goals (1 clean sheet)
Mark Gammon – 15 apps (13 starts – 2 subs) – 4 goals
Graeme Kirkup – 26 apps (23 starts – 3 subs) – 0 goals
Danny McTighe – 8 apps (3 starts – 5 subs) – 0 goals
Nigel Pugh – 29 apps (29 starts – 0 subs) – 0 goals
Dominic Pullen – 2 apps (0 starts – 2 subs) – 0 goals
Darren Redding – 30 apps (30 starts – 0 subs) – 1 goal
Steve Rowson – 8 apps (0 starts – 8 subs) – 0 goals
Damian Stevens – 28 apps (24 starts – 4 subs) – 3 goals
Darren Tallon – 13 apps (10 starts – 3 subs) – 1 goal
Nigel Thwaites – 23 apps (22 starts – 1 sub) – 10 goals
Andrew Tinsley – 3 apps (0 starts – 3 subs) – 0 goals
Chris Tomlinson – 27 apps (27 starts – 0 subs) – 7 goals
Rob Troon – 29 apps (29 starts – 0 subs) – 2 goals
Andy Waddell – 10 apps (10 starts – 0 subs) – 11 goals
Chris Webb – 1 app (1 start – 0 subs) – 0 goals
Steve Wherry – 26 apps (21 starts – 5 subs) – 11 goals
Bobby Wignall (GK) – 1 app (1 start – 0 subs) – 0 goals (1 clean sheet)
Cornwall Senior Cup
2nd Round – St Dennis (H) W 2-0 (Gammon Waddell) Sat 15 Nov Waddell missed pen
Team – Ian Baker (GK), Chris Tomlinson, Darren Redding, Graeme Kirkup, Darren Tallon, Nigel Pugh, Mark Gammon, Adrian Bleasdale, Andy Waddell, John Burrows, Damian Stevens
Subs Used – Justin Andrew, Steve Wherry
Assist – Bleasdale
Truro City’s new signing Andy Waddell marked his debut with a goal as the Treyew Road side beat East Cornwall League St Dennis 2-0 in the second round of the Cornwall Senior Cup on Saturday. Waddell had earlier earned his side a penalty, but his spot-kick and follow up were both saved by Martin Stockman, before Gammon scrambled in the opening goal. Ten minutes later Waddell diverted an Adrian Bleasdale shot to make the game safe for City. The striker signed on the morning of the match and was playing his first game since serving a three week suspension imposed after being sent off while playing for Porthleven against Truro last season. West Briton & Cornwall Advertiser
3rd Round – Saltash United (H) W 4-1 (Waddell 47, 68, 88, Burrows 84) Sat 10 Jan Waddell missed pen 68
Team – Ian Baker (GK), Damian Stevens, Darren Redding, Darren Tallon, Rob Troon, Nigel Pugh, Mark Gammon, John Burrows, Andy Waddell, Steve Wherry, Adrian Bleasdale
Assists – Burrows 47, Wherry 88
There just seems to be no stopping new Truro striker Andy Waddell. The ace marksman was at it again on Saturday as he slammed a hat-trick to help steer Truro into the quarter-finals of the Cornwall Senior Cup. It was his second hat-trick in just six games since joining the club from St Blazey and he has now scored 11 goals in only six first team outings. Last season the lack of a consistent goal scorer cost Truro dearly in their hunt for trophies, but the arrival of Waddell at Treyew Road looks to have cured that problem and his goals have already won him the club’s player of the month award for December. It was Waddell’s deadly finishing against Saltash that was to prove the real difference between the two sides in a third round tie that was far from as one-sided as the final scoreline might suggest. But a very competitive Saltash had nobody to match the goal instincts of Waddell, who looks to be back to the form which made him the Jewson South Western League’s top scorer for four successive seasons. After a goalless first-half, in which both sides had chances, it took Waddell less than two minutes of the second period to put Truro ahead. Adrian Bleasdale won a good tackle in midfield and skipper John Burrows latched on to the ball. He made a powerful run down the middle before slipping the ball into the path of Waddell on the right of the area and he calmly slipped the ball across Charles West in the Saltash goal and into the far corner. Damian Stevens, who continued the outstanding form he showed at Penzance in the previous game, then almost made it 2-0 with a header which clipped the top of the bar. But it was Saltash who found the net when Darren Gilbert took advantage of sloppy home defending to score with a shot across Ian Baker. Truro’s bad luck with the woodwork continued when Burrows hit the bar from Mark Gammon’s cross on the hour. It was the third time Truro had struck the bar, with Bleasdale seeing his first-half free-kick come down off the underside of the bar. Truro though were not to be denied and after 68 minutes Waddell got into the area and was brought down by West for a blatant penalty. With Truro’s abysmal record for converting penalty kicks home fans were far from confident when Waddell came up to take the kick himself. And the jinx nearly struck again when Waddell’s spot kick was blocked by West, but fortunately the ball came straight back to the striker who made no mistake with the second attempt. This seemed to end Saltash’s dogged resistance and with six minutes to go Burrows extended Truro’s lead with a close-range volley after Waddell’s shot from Gammon’s cross was blocked. There were then just two minutes to go when Waddell completed his hat-trick after Steve Wherry’s deep cross from the right gave him a simple close range header to set the seal on another impressive Truro performance, especially as they were without regulars Graeme Kirkup, Nigel Thwaites and Chris Tomlinson. West Briton & Cornwall Advertiser
Quarter-Final – Callington Town (A) W 1-0 (Waddell 65) Sat 14 Feb
Team – Ian Baker (GK), Chris Tomlinson, Darren Redding, Graeme Kirkup, Rob Troon, Nigel Pugh, Damian Stevens, John Burrows, Andy Waddell, Nigel Thwaites, Adrian Bleasdale
A typical opportunist goal from Andy Waddell took Truro into the semi-finals of the Cornwall Senior Cup. His 65th minute effort finally ended East Cornwall League Callington’s brave resistance, which had frustrated Truro even though they had virtually all of the play. There seemed little danger when defender Graeme Kirkup came through from the back, but his ball into the Callington area produced fatal hesitation and Waddell pounced to score from close range to at last beat Callington’s outstanding keeper Andy Brenton. Waddell has now scored six of City’s seven goals in the cup this season and Truro were again grateful for his marksmanship in what was always going to be a difficult tie. Callington were content to put 10 men behind the ball and defy Truro to try to find a way through, and for long periods of the tie at The Marsh it worked. Cheered on by a big crowd in the February sunshine, Callington defended superbly with Brenton a tower of strength and there never looked any likelihood of a repeat of last season’s 7-2 win for Truro. In the opening half City struggled to create openings and were too often let down by crossing the ball much too close to Brenton, whose handling was exemplary. Such was Truro’s lack of creativity that it was not until five minutes before the break that Brenton was called upon to make his first real save from Waddell’s well-struck shot. After the break Truro did begin to show more urgency and Brenton produced a fine save to tip over a Chris Tomlinson free-kick. Brenton again had to be at his best to push away a goalbound Waddell effort as City strove desperately for the breakthrough. After Waddell finally did score Callington tried to come back, but never tested City keeper Ian Baker, who had a relatively quiet afternoon. Truro were content to ease through into next month’s semi-finals of a competition they have won 13 times before. West Briton & Cornwall Advertiser
Semi-Final – Bodmin Town (N) W 3-1 (Stevens, Redding, Tallon 60) Sat 7 Mar
Team – Ian Baker (GK), Chris Tomlinson, Darren Redding, Darren Tallon, Rob Troon, Nigel Pugh, Damian Stevens, John Burrows, Andy Waddell, Nigel Thwaites, Adrian Bleasdale
Subs Used – Jeff Babb, Steve Wherry
City progressed to the final following their 3-1 win over Bodmin at Mount Wise. Truro’s match was hampered by a strong wind, but they built a two-goal advantage by half-time with goals from Damian Stevens and Darren Redding. Darren Tallon added a third on the hour before Steve Daly grabbed a late consolation for Bodmin. West Briton & Cornwall Advertiser
Final – Porthleven (N) D 2-2 (Waddell 38, Wherry 57) Mon 13 Apr
Team – Ian Baker (GK), Chris Tomlinson, Darren Redding, Graeme Kirkup, Rob Troon, Nigel Pugh, Damian Stevens, Justin Andrew, Andy Waddell, Nigel Thwaites, Adrian Bleasdale
Subs Used – Steve Wherry, Jeff Babb
If the Cornwall Senior Cup replay is anywhere near as exciting as Monday’s first match then fans at Bickland Park will go home well satisfied. Two of the county’s top teams produced a see-saw match in what must have been one of the best finals for many a season. At the end of 90 minutes, unfortunately there was no extra time, Porthleven were still in with a chance of lifting the trophy for the first time while Truro will feel they can add to their record breaking 13 wins in the competition. In fact City were left ruing the chances that got away at Bickland Park on Monday, even though they finished the match with just 10 men following the sending off of Robert Troon for a “professional” foul on Martin Gritton. Porthleven will feel that they can play a lot better so the replay is difficult to predict. On Monday Truro started strongly and striker Justin Andrew could have had a couple of goals in the opening 20 minutes before Porthleven took the lead with a stunning goal from veteran midfielder Chris Long, who was making his fifth final appearance as were George Torrance and Mark Hope. Truro could only half clear a cross and the ball fell to Long 25 yards out and his first time volley flew arrow-like into the top right hand corner of Ian Baker’s goal. The keeper had no chance and the goal was just the boost Porthleven needed. However, City hit back and Andrew was only inches away from converting a cross from the dangerous Nigel Thwaites, as the Porthleven defence continued to show alarming gaps. But seven minutes from the interval Truro were back on level terms as Andy Waddell scored at the second attempt after Gary Penhaligon had blocked hias first shot with his legs. Unfortunately for Truro and Waddell the striker in scoring the goal suffered a re-occurrence of the injury which has kept him out of action for several weeks. He was unable to re-appear for the second half and his place was taken by Steve Wherry, who put his side ahead 12 minutes into the period. The goal had to go down to a goalkeeping mistake by Penhaligon who could not hold onto a mishit free-kick from the impressive Bleasdale and Wherry was the first to react to tuck the loose ball into the net. Thwaites should have made it 3-1 when put clean through, but Penhaligon made up for his earlier effort to save well. It was to prove a turning point as Porthleven equalised after 72 minutes. A diagonal ball by substitute Dave Waters reached Martin Gritton on the left edge of the area and, showing the skill that has made him such a hot property, nodded the ball forward and lashed a looping shot into the far corner. A minute later Truro were down to 10 men when Robert Troon wrestled Gritton to the ground as the striker threatened to break clear, and referee Mike Hawken had little option but to send him off. In an exciting finale Baker saved well from Waters, and Penhaligon did well to deny Darren Redding. In the end a draw was probably a fair result of an excellent advert for Cornish football. West Briton & Cornwall Advertiser
Replay – Porthleven (N) W 3-2 (Wherry 10, Babb 53, Andrew 90) Thu 16 Apr
Team – Ian Baker (GK), Chris Tomlinson, Darren Redding, Graeme Kirkup, Rob Troon, Nigel Pugh, Damian Stevens, Steve Wherry, Jeff Babb, Nigel Thwaites, Adrian Bleasdale
Sub Used – Justin Andrew
The replay at a rainsoaked Bickland Park looked to be heading for extra time with the score deadlocked at 2-2 and only seconds remaining when Justin Andrew forced the ball over the line after an incredible scramble in the Porthleven six-yard box. It was too late for Porthleven to come back. Porthleven had twice led with an Adrian Bleasdale own goal and Charlie Legg from a corner. In between Steve Wherry had levelled after 10 minutes. City got back on level terms when Jeff Babb headed in a corner eight minutes into the second half to set up an exciting and nerve racking finale.
1997/1998 Cornwall Senior Cup Squad – Justin Andrew, Jeff Babb, Ian Baker (GK), Adrian Bleasdale, John Burrows, Mark Gammon, Graeme Kirkup, Nigel Pugh, Darren Redding, Damian Stevens, Darren Tallon, Nigel Thwaites, Chris Tomlinson, Rob Troon, Andy Waddell, Steve Wherry
Cornwall Senior Cup Appearances & Goals
Justin Andrew – 3 apps (1 start – 2 subs) – 1 goal
Jeff Babb – 3 apps (1 start – 2 subs) – 1 goal
Ian Baker (GK) – 6 apps (6 starts – 0 subs) – 0 goals (2 clean sheets)
Adrian Bleasdale – 6 apps (6 starts – 0 subs) – 0 goals
John Burrows – 4 apps (4 starts – 0 subs) – 1 goal
Mark Gammon – 2 apps (2 starts – 0 subs) – 0 goals
Graeme Kirkup – 4 apps (4 starts – 0 subs) – 0 goals
Nigel Pugh – 6 apps (6 starts – 0 subs) – 0 goals
Darren Redding – 6 apps (6 starts – 0 subs) – 1 goal
Damian Stevens – 6 apps (6 starts – 0 subs) – 1 goal
Darren Tallon – 3 apps (3 starts – 0 subs) – 1 goal
Nigel Thwaites – 4 apps (4 starts – 0 subs) – 0 goals
Chris Tomlinson – 5 apps (5 starts – 0 subs) – 0 goals
Rob Troon – 5 apps (5 starts – 0 subs) – 0 goals
Andy Waddell – 5 apps (5 starts – 0 subs) – 7 goals
Steve Wherry – 5 apps (2 starts – 3 subs) – 2 goals
❤️🖤
Damian Stevens
Truro City’s double winning centre midfielder/striker
Matt Hall “So 1997-1998, why does that season have a special place in your heart?”
Damian Stevens “It was the pure drama of winning the double, firstly beating Porthleven 3-2 in the Senior Cup replay after a 2-2 draw, they were a very good side with Charlie Legg, Martin Gritton, Gary Bannister, etc, then beating the same team 2-1 in the last game of the season in the 95th minute with a speculative shot from Chris Tomlinson, taking a wicked deflection and wrong footing the keeper! The same night Falmouth Town beat Liskeard 3-1 at Liskeard and kicked off 7pm as opposed to our 7:45pm kick off (I think it was something to do with floodlights), so we all knew they’d won and a draw would’ve given Falmouth Town the title! We threw everything and everybody forward and scored a fluke to win the league! You couldn’t write it!”
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TCFC 1889 