Cornwall Combination League Cup

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Truro City’s complete Cornwall Combination League Cup record

1975-1976 – 4th, East Section

1976-1977 – 2nd, North Section

1977-1978 – WINNERS

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1975-1976

East Section

1 – Newquay Reserves (H) L 1-3 Tue 26 Aug

2 – St Columb Minor (A) D 2-2 3 Sep

3 – St Dennis (A) L 1-3 10 Sep

4 – Newquay Reserves (A) D 1-1 (D. Hawke) 13 Sep

There was little excitement in the Newquay-Truro clash, players struggling in the heavy rain. West Briton & Cornwall Advertiser

5 – St Dennis (H) L 1-3 (Heayn 7) 27 Sep

Not for the first time this season, Truro City made a promising start against St Dennis, Denis Heayn giving them a seventh minute lead from a Jim Tregellas cross. St Dennis went all out for an equaliser and after forcing half a dozen corners, they succeeded a minute from the break. Les McGirl headed the ball over goalkeeper Julian Grant and Stephen Grible was on the spot to nod in. Truro completely lost their way in the second half, and St Dennis dominated the play, Grible made it 2-1 from the penalty spot after Mike Tregenza had been floored, and three minutes from time winger Ken Loader rammed in the best of the match. West Briton & Cornwall Advertiser

6 – St Columb Minor (H) L 0-1 4 Oct

Truro City had plenty of the ball against St Columb Minor but were thwarted by a superb display by goalkeeper John Axon, who did not put a foot wrong. Minor snatching victory following a 50th minute corner when Paul Slater stabbed the ball into the net. West Briton & Cornwall Advertiser

East Section Table

1 – St Dennis – 6 – 4 – 1 – 1 – 14 – 7 – 9

2 – Newquay Reserves – 6 – 3 – 1 – 2 – 10 – 7 – 7

3 – St Columb Minor – 6 – 2 – 2 – 2 – 8 – 11 – 6

4 – TRURO CITY – 6 – 0 – 2 – 4 – 6 – 13 – 2

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1976-1977

North Section

1 – St Dennis (A) W 2-1 (Rowe, D. Hawke) 28 Aug

Beaten four times in their last four matches with St Dennis last season, Truro City could scarcely have fancied their chances. But they won 2-1, thanks to a Derek Hawke goal just a couple of minutes from the end. In a game largely spoiled by the strong wind, Truro took an early lead and held it until the 35th minute, when Tony Greet knocked in St Dennis’s equaliser after a scramble. West Briton & Cornwall Advertiser

2 – Newquay Reserves (A) D 2-2 (Symons 16, Coad 59) 7 Sep

3 – St Columb Minor (H) W 2-1 (Coad, T. Webb) 14 Sep

By the skin of their teeth, Truro City pipped St Columb Minor at Boscawen Park to maintain their interest in the Combination League Cup. Good football early on earned them a two-goal advantage with the promise of more to come. But after Minor had pulled back a goal just before the break, the City were hard pressed to hold their lead. That they survived was more by good luck than management. Minor, strengthened by the inclusion of county centre-half Mike Tummon in defence and with Micky Towe causing problems in midfield, sliced through the City defence time and again. Gone was all the semblance of understanding amongst the Truro players. They trailed after their faster opponents, failed to clear their lines decisively and, on the rare occasion when they broke away they fell into the offside trap. Truro will have to improve their teamwork considerably if they are to make their mark in the league this season. Early in the game a fine move through the middle ended with Des Coad putting Truro ahead from close range. Mark Symons and Mike Trethewey combined to make the second goal. Tony Webb diving to head in Trethewey’s cross. Paul Slater put Minor back in the game after 35 minutes, but their strenuous second-half efforts to net an equaliser were denied by a City defence which made up for it’s lack of cohesion with unstinting effort. West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser

4 – St Dennis (H) W 2-1 (Rowe 70, 85) 25 Sep

Team – Julian Grant (GK), Mike Trethewey, Danny Trewhela, Harold Richards, Denis Heayn, Tony Webb, Derek Hawke, B. Trethewey, Mark Symons, Des Coad, Peter Rowe

Playing with real character and determination, Truro City fought back from an interval deficit on Saturday to beat the reigning Combination League champions for the second time this season. The 2-1 verdict gave them a 4-2 double, and enhanced their prospects of qualifying for the cup semi-finals. The City are now a point ahead of St Dennis with a game in hand. They need a couple of points from their two remaining matches, at home to Newquay and away to St Columb Minor, to make certain of heading their section. Peter Rowe was the hero of the City’s success. He hit the St Dennis bar with a tremendous first-half shot, and grabbed the two goals in the last 20 minutes which gave them victory. He was also the villain of the match, his name going into the book following two over-robust tackles early on. Conditions were starkly different to those met by the clubs earlier this season. Heavy rain fell for long periods, and the greasy pitch was waterlogged in places. St Dennis had a slight edge for most of the first period, and if they had capitalised on their chances and gone two up it is doubtful if the City would have staged their comeback. But St Dennis failed – three times they were only inches from a score – and Truro, given heart by their 70th-minute equaliser, ended the match well on top and thirsty for more goals. West Briton & Cornwall Advertiser

5 – St Columb Minor (A) L 0-1 Sat 9 Oct

Team – Julian Grant (GK), Mike Trethewey, Danny Trewhella, Harold Richards, Denis Heayn, Derek Hawke, B. Trethewey, Tony Webb, Peter Hunt, Peter Rowe, Des Coad

Sub Used – Mark Symons

Failure to match their sterling displays of the previous three weeks led to Truro City skidding to defeat at St Columb Minor on Saturday, the decisive goal coming when they were just one minute away from clinching a vital Combination League Cup point. Now Truro will have to win their final section match, at home to Newquay next Saturday, to make certain of a semi-final spot. Minor, who were without two of their top players – Brain Durkin, who was once a City striker, and Barry Hollis – richly deserved their victory. They showed in their match at Boscawen Park last month that they are a team full of spirit and determination. They dominated the second period on that occasion and were unlucky to go under 2-1. West Briton & Cornwall Advertiser

6 – Newquay Reserves (H) D 2-2 (Coad 10, T. Webb 47) Sat 16 Oct

Team – Julian Grant (GK), Mike Trethewey, Danny Trewhella, Harold Richards, Denis Heayn, Mark Symons, Derek Hawke, Tony Webb, Des Coad, Peter Rowe, Peter Hunt

So near and yet so far… From being firm favourites to win their section and go into the Combination League Cup semi-finals, Truro City slumped to finish also-rans. For the second time this season the City managed only to draw 2-2 with Newquay despite knowing that victory was essential to put them through to the knock-out section. At the same time St Dennis squeezed a 1-0 home win over St Columb Minor – and that was good enough to put them ahead of Truro on goal average. It was bitterly disappointing that having already achieved a “double” over St Dennis, the City should fall at the final hurdle. They had needed only two points from their last two matches but took only one. The result was even more disappointing as Newquay have yet to win a match this season. But on the two occasions the Peppermints have played Truro their form and determination has belied their plight. The skills of experienced Stuart Lenton, Jim Tregellas and Ray Pryse and some good work by goalkeeper Peter Foxwell earned them a share of the spoils. Truro should have sewn up victory in the opening quarter. Two easy chances went begging before Peter Hunt created an opening on the left and crossed for Des Coad to touch them ahead after ten minutes. Then a miskick by Danny Trewhella let former City man Tregellas through for a 16th minute equaliser. Despite exposing plenty of gaps in the Newquay defence Truro’s front men failed in the penalty area. Gradually Newquay gained in confidence and in the 33rd minute Tregellas might easily have had a second, Julian Grant recovered to grab the ball as it trickled towards an open goal. At the other end Foxwell made a superb save from Derek Hawke, and Peter Rowe worked himself into good shooting positions but fired wide. Two minutes after the restart Truro were in front again, Hunt crossed from the left, Coad breasted the ball down and Tony Webb fired in from the edge of the box. Newquay had the advantage of the wind and had the edge for the remainder of the game but despite being under pressure Truro still managed to create – and waste – three chances. Just when it looked as though they might hold out and win Newquay were awarded a free-kick on the edge of the penalty area and Steve Wicks leapt high to nod in. Truro then went all out to score a third but their efforts were in vain. West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser

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1977-1978

North Section

1 – Newquay Reserves (H) W 3-1 (Tabb 31, 81, Sandow 51) Sat 3 Sep

Team – Julian Grant (GK), Mike Trethewey, Danny Trewhela, Nigel Kellow, Tony Webb, Mark Symons (capt), Alex Sandow, Steve Tabb, Derek Hawke, Malcolm Penrose, Adrian Marks

Steve Tabb, a former Truro Athletic player, stepped up late into the senior ranks for Truro City in their home Cornwall Combination League Cup match with Newquay on Saturday, and did so with a five-star display. The stockily built Tabb scored two of Truro’s three goals, one from close range and the other with a superb shot from just outside the penalty area, and his all round performance was one which suggests that he has come to stay in the City line-up. Tabb was by no means the only new face on view in the City side. There were also those of former Illogan player Alex Sandow who has been out of the game for a couple of seasons, Malcolm Penrose ex St Dennis and Adrian Marks who has joined Truro from Roche. All three played their part in an impressive Truro display, with Sandow producing some deft touches as well as getting a goal but the man of the match tag belonged to Tabb. Manager Allen Dennis described himself as “very satisfied” with his team’s performance and his comment was understandable. Truro always appeared to have the edge, and in the second half they increasingly took command. The final scoreline in no way flattered them and but for an efficient display by Newquay goalkeeper Paul Corlett they would certainly have had more than three goals. The City played some attractive football and the indications are that they could well be staking a strong claim to honours this season. Although generally well on top Truro were unable to score until the 31st minute. Then Sandow flighted over a corner kick and with Corlett unsighted by a fellow defender Tabb stabbed the ball into the net. Five minutes before half-time however, Newquay pulled level. A free-kick taken by Graham Hesketh was side footed to Alan Martin whose powerful drive gave City goalkeeper, Julian Grant no chance. With the second-half just six minutes old the City regained the lead. Derek Hawke putting over a pin point cross which Sandow nodded into the corner of the net. Despite being generally well in command, Truro had to wait until nine minutes from the end to put victory beyond any doubt. Then came a great first time shot by Tabb which Corlett despite an acrobatic dive never looked like stopping. It was the killer blow and in the remaining minutes Truro twice came close to adding to their total. West Briton & Cornwall Advertiser

2 – St Dennis (A) W 5-2 (T. Webb 20 pen, J. Hawke x2, Symons, Penrose 85) 14 Sep

Team – Paul Cartlidge (GK), Mike Trethewey, Danny Trewhela, Denis Heayn, Tony Webb, Mark Symons, Alex Sandow, Steve Tabb, John Hawke, Malcolm Penrose, Adrian Marks

In sparkling form in their Combination League Cup match at St Dennis, Truro City swept to a 5-2 victory – the same scoreline as in a league encounter on the ground in May. But for the woodwork the margin would have been even more handsome. Four times with the goalkeeper well beaten, St Dennis were saved by the posts or bar. This victory must make City favourites to win their group and go through to the semi-finals. St Dennis are out of the running – they have been beaten three times – and Truro have already taken two home points from their other rivals. Although not at their best in the first period Truro led 2-1 at the break. The first goal came after 20 minutes when Malcolm Penrose chasing a through ball from skipper Mark Symons was brought down in the area. Tony Webb rammed the spot kick home. St Dennis were soon on terms as a result of a defensive mix up between keeper Paul Cartlidge and Denis Heayn, but Truro quickly regained the lead, good approach work and a final pass from Symons giving John Hawke his chance. After half-time Truro were sharper and got well on top. But the scores were levelled on the hour when Cartlidge punched a cross into his own net. Hawke, in an outstanding first game of the season, rounded the keeper to make it 3-2, and then he twice hit the bar. Symons burst through for a brilliant solo effort and with five minutes left Penrose volleyed home. West Briton & Cornwall Advertiser

3 – Newquay Reserves (A) W 3-1 (D. Hawke 1, T. Webb 52, Penrose 83) 24 Sep

Team – Paul Cartlidge (GK), Mike Trethewey, Danny Trewhela, Denis Heayn, Tony Webb, Mark Symons, Alex Sandow, Steve Tabb, Derek Hawke, Malcolm Penrose, John Hawke

Two out-of-the-blue goals which gave Truro City victory at Mount Wise were the main highlights of this Combination League Cup match. Truro duly completed a 6-2 “double” to ensure a place in the semi-finals for the first time since 1970. But comparing with what had gone before this season, their form was below par. In fact the City were slightly flattered by the scoreline. Newquay, after the first quarter-of-an-hour when they were under some pressure, gave almost as good as they received. A one goal margin would have been more just. As a spectacle the game was spoiled by a number of petty infringements, and it was perhaps surprising that only one player, a Newquay man, was booked. But the goal that came in the 52nd minute made up for all of the game’s deficiencies. Newquay, having levelled the scores after conceding a first minute goal, conceded a free-kick which Derek Hawke lofted into the goalmouth. The ball was headed clear without difficulty. But it went to Tony Webb on the left and he unleashed a 40-yarder which scorched into the far corner of the net before goalkeeper Steve Camps could blink. It was a tremendous goal which is unlikely to be bettered this season. Truro held this lead without difficulty, although Newquay were good enough to threaten problems in the penalty area. Then seven minutes from time came the killer blow. In a moment Malcolm Penrose executed the perfect overhead kick which left Camps stranded. The score was then 3-1 and the fight was all over. Truro who were without Adrian Marks were given a great start, Penrose harassed the home defence, a bad pass back gave John Hawke possession and after beating the keeper he slotted the ball into an empty net. The City conceded this advantage ten minutes later. A Steve Knowles shot from the edge of the area looked innocuous enough as Paul Cartlidge was not under pressure. But at that moment there was a swirl of drizzling rain and Cartlidge fumbled the ball and took it over the line. For a time Truro remained in command with John Hawke looking most dangerous up front but gradually play deteriorated. Newquay were lucky in clearing a Danny Trewhella header off the line and at the other end, the City were equally fortunate when Cartlidge dropped the ball. The verdict pleased manager Allen Dennis. He commented afterwards “Whilst it was not one of our better games it was a typically hard fought cup tie and we kept fighting for 90 minutes.” West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser

4 – St Dennis (H) D 1-1 (J. Hawke) Sat 15 Oct

Team – Paul Cartlidge (GK), Mike Trethewey, Danny Trewhela, Denis Heayn, Tony Webb, Mark Symons, Alex Sandow, Jim Tregellas, John Hawke, Derek Hawke, Malcolm Penrose

Having already won their Combination League Cup group title, Truro City had no compelling reason to extend themselves at Boscawen Park on Saturday. The only thing at stake was their unbeaten record – and that was seldom threatened by opponents who lacked penetration and firepower until near the end. It was a pity, however, that they did not take the opportunity of showing a fair sprinkling of supporters some of the skills and touches which had earned them their fine win at Illogan a week earlier. West Briton & Cornwall Advertiser

Semi-Final – Mousehole (N) W 5-1 (Wignall 10, 34, Trewhela 11, Tabb, D. Hawke 83) Sun 5 Mar

Team – Julian Grant (GK), Derek Hawke, Danny Trewhela, Nigel Kellow, Harold Richards, Mark Symons, Alex Sandow, Mike Trethewey, John Hawke, Gary Wignall, Steve Tabb

Truro City’s 16 year old striker Gary Wignall wrecked Mousehole in their Cornwall Combination League Cup semi-final at Illogan. Wignall, who is interesting Spurs, scored twice and made one goal in the first period, putting Truro on the road to a convincing 5-1 victory. The City will now meet Culdrose in Easter Sunday’s final at Penzance. Wignall quickly made his mark in the cup semi-final, scoring in the tenth minute and making one for Danny Trewhela in the 11th. That knocked the stuffing out of Mousehole, who were unimpressive. Wignall scored again in the 34th minute and Steve Tabb had Truro’s fourth after John Hawke’s shot had been blocked by Malcolm Brown. Brian Clemens netted a consolation goal from a free-kick before Truro wound up the game with a fifth from Derek Hawke. West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser

Final – RNAS Culdrose (N) W 1-0 (Wignall 59) Sun 16 Apr

Team – Julian Grant (GK), John Hawke, Danny Trewhela, Nigel Kellow, Harold Richards, Mark Symons, Mike Trethewey, Alex Sandow, Haydn Jose, Gary Wignall, Steve Tabb

Despite missing two penalties, Truro City captured the Cornwall Combination League Cup at Penzance. They held off a strong challenge from Culdrose to win with a scrambled 59th minute goal, young striker Gary Wignall stabbing the ball over the line after goalkeeper Alan Butt had failed to hold a lofted free-kick from Nigel Kellow. It was experienced Alex Sandow who had the misfortune to fail from the penalty spot in each half. In the 17th minute Haydn Jose was brought down after beating two defenders. Sandow attempted to place his shot low into the corner of the net and Butt dived to scramble the ball clear. The second came midway through the second period when a defender handled as he attempted to climb and clear another Kellow free-kick. This time Sandow lofted the ball high over the bar. Culdrose breathed a sigh of relief and threw everything into the attack, but their efforts were foiled by a strong back-four in which Kellow and Danny Trewhella were outstanding. Dave Thornton was the service men’s best player, while Ginger Murgatroyd caused problems after going on as a substitute. On a very bumpy pitch control was difficult and the game, although hard and closely fought, lacked good football. Both sides wasted chances but generally defences were on top. West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser

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Most Cornwall Combination League Cup Goals

4 – Derek Hawke

4 – Tony Webb

3 – Des Coad

3 – John Hawke

3 – Peter Rowe

3 – Steve Tabb

3 – Gary Wignall

2 – Malcolm Penrose

2 – Mark Symons

1 – Denis Heayn

1 – Alex Sandow

1 – Danny Trewhela

(4 goals missing)

Most Cornwall Combination League Cup Clean Sheets

1 – Julian Grant

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