Friendlies

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1889

Fri 4 Oct Penzance (H) W 7-1 Truro City Football Club’s first recorded match – Truro City Football Club’s first win – Truro City Football Club’s first home win

This, the opening match for the season of the Truro club, was played on the College ground of that city on Friday, and resulted in a victory for the home team by seven goals to one. The game was very fast, the Truro team displaying very smart form throughout. The ground was in fair condition, and weather fine after a shower at starting. For Truro H. Sharp, E. Sharp, Thackeray, R. T. Michell, Paull, Kelly and Treweeke were conspicuous. For Penzance Lawry and Kistler did good service. The Cornish Telegraph

Sat 26 Oct Wesleyan College (A) W 4-1 Truro City Football Club’s first away match – Truro City Football Club’s first away win

A match, under Association Rules, was played last Saturday at Truro, between the Truro Association Football Club and the Wesleyan College, on the latter’s ground. After a smart game Truro won by four goals to one. Royal Cornwall Gazette

Fri 1 Nov Mr Whittaker’s XI (H) W 6-3

An Association Football match was played at Tolgarrack, on Friday, between Mr Whittaker’s XI and Truro Club, and resulted in a victory for Truro by 6 goals to 3. Thackeray, Michell, Treweeke, and Glasson played well for Truro, and Bullen and Grepe worked hard for the school. Royal Cornwall Gazette

Sat 16 Nov Truro School (A) W 7-0

The Truro Association Football Club won their fourth match this season by easily defeating Truro School on Saturday, on the ground of the latter, by seven goals to nil. Thackeray, Cazalet, Gripe, and Dyer did good service for the club, whilst Kelly, Vaughan, Williams, and Bampfield played well for the school. Royal Cornwall Gazette

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1890

Fri 10 Jan Penzance (A) L 0-3 Truro City Football Club’s first recorded loss

Team – Robinson (GK), Paull, Fox, Gill, Anthony, A. N. Other, Clawson, Bampfield, Purcell, Cazalet, Treneer-Michell

These teams met at Penzance on Friday and played their return match, Truro having an unbeaten record up till Friday. The match attracted a large number of spectators. Both teams played as before published with the exception of Purcell (Truro), and Walling (Penzance). The Truro team played against the hill, and, Adson starting the ball, the forwards dribbled in the visitors 25, Paull relieving. The teams then settled down to their work, and both goals were assailed until Adson, taking possession of the ball, went down the ground in good style, and passing to Runnalls, it was again centred, and Gartrell succeeded in putting the ball under the crossbar. The ball was again started, Michell, Clawson and Bampfield shewing up well, and the goal keeper was called up to relieve, which he did, fisting out splendidly, and Adson again took up the running, and made a good attempt to score, the ball just grazing the bar. Before half-time was called, the splendid combination of the Penzance forwards enabled Runnalls to add another goal. Playing against the hill, the home team were soon on the defensive. Paull and Fox backed their forwards up well. Bampfield several times attempted to score, but failed. Walton, as centre-half, played a magnificent game, his coolness and the splendid manner in which he took the ball from his opponents eliciting the admiration of the spectators. The game was until finish fairly even. The Truro full-backs played a very strong game, and it was rather difficult to break through their defence. The passing between the Penzance forwards enabled Gartrell to add the third goal, and thus a most fast and exciting game was ended. During half-time a collection was made on the ground amongst the spectators for the benefit of Drew, the Devon goalkeeper, injured at Falmouth. The collection and the “gate” amounted to nearly £3. The Cornish Telegraph

Sat 18 Jan The Argyle (Plymouth) (H)

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1891

Fri 25 Sep Truro College (?) W 8-0 (Bampfield x3, Donaldson x2, Anthony x2, Davis)

Truro Association team opened their season on Friday, with a practice game v. Truro College, which resulted in a win for Truro by eight goals to nil. The game was not so uneven as the scores would indicate, for the College played up well, and with more practice would make a good team. Goals for Truro were kicked by Bampfield (3), Donaldson (2), Anthony (2), Davis (1). Royal Cornwall Gazette

Tue 29 Sep Redruth (A) W 4-0 (Donaldson x3, West)

Truro Association Team v. a Redruth Team, played on Tuesday at Redruth, resulting in a win for Truro by 4 goals to nil. The first half of the game was very evenly contested, Truro scoring once by the agency of Donaldson. After half time 3 more were added by Donaldson (2) and West (1). For the visitors West, Pearce, Sharp, and Anthony played best; and for Redruth Jenkin, Abbott, W. H. Treweeke, and Poett worked very hard. The Redruth team are to be congratulated in starting the Association game at Redruth, and as they have good material should, with practice, become a strong combination. Royal Cornwall Gazette

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1892

Sat 1 Oct Plymouth (A) L 3-4 (Donaldson)

Team – A. N. Other (GK), Poett, Roseveare, G. Donaldson, Jenkin, H. Bampfield, J. M. Bampfield, W. L. Donaldson, Perkins, Bullen, Morrish

Plymouth and Truro Association match was commenced a little after three o’clock at South Devon-place on Saturday afternoon. Notwithstanding the belief prevalent in the minds of Plymouth footballers that Truro would fare hardly with their opponents, the first few minutes of the game, with the wind in favour of Plymouth, seemed to indicate otherwise. Fast play was maintained up to half-time at which time Plymouth had a slight advantage with two goals to their credit. When the half-time begun, however, Truro showed that they meant to put a different complexion on the game, and a pretty rush by their forwards somewhat confused the town club’s goal-keeper, and an unintentional shot by a Truro man succeeded in passing the post. Truro were loudly cheered, and gaining heart played up much better, but Plymouth were determined that their opponents should not get the upper hand, and Cridiand and Bridgman by two successive rushes, in which they were materially assisted by Babb and Shilson, scored two more goals bringing Plymouth’s total up to four. Truro then, up to the end of the game, maintained a decided advantage, and by the aid of Donaldson and another put in two more goals. They were on a fair way to equal their opponents’ total, when the whistle, unfortunately for them, put an end to the game. Royal Cornwall Gazette

Wed 5 Oct Penzance (A) W 2-1 (Donaldson)

This match played at Penzance on Wednesday, was the opening contest of the season for the home team, whilst Truro had met Plymouth on the previous Saturday. The game was hotly contested throughout. Truro won the toss, and Walton led off down the hill for the home team. Truro immediately began to press, but Stephens, the Penzance goal-keeper, cleared well. Fluky play on the part of the Penzance team spoiled a sure chance of scoring, and play was transferred to Penzance territory. A pretty bit of passing by Walton, Perkins, and Meneer relieved. Hands were awarded Truro, but Adson frustrated their efforts and although a corner was conceded Truro, it was not negotiated. The leather was then taken to the Truro goal, and from here the visitors rushed the ball up the field, and Donaldson scored the first goal for Truro. Very little time elapsed ere Perkins equalised matters, and from this time the game became hot and furious, first one side and then the other being subject to hard lines (invariably owing to injudicious and eractic shooting). Donaldson, Paull, and Bampfield, by splendid passing, took the ball up the field, and Truro notched their second goal rather easily. In the second half the home team tried hard to equalise, and several times, when within an ace of doing so, a bad kick marred their chance. Truro also pressed several times, but the attackers for the most part in the second were the homesters. Neither side, however, were able to add to their score, and the match ended in a victory for Truro by two goals to one. West Briton & Cornwall Advertiser

17 Dec Plymouth (H)

Mon 26 Dec St James the Less (H) W 3-0

On Monday a good game was witnessed at Truro when Truro and St James the Less clubs had a fair trial. Truro came out victorious with three goals to nil, though it is only right to state that the visitors played two men short. Royal Cornwall Gazette

Tue 27 Dec Bodmin Depot (H) W 6-2

At Truro on Tuesday Bodmin Depot were beaten by Truro by six goals to two. Royal Cornwall Gazette

Sat 31 Dec St James the Less (A) W 2-1

This Association fixture attracted a goodly number of spectators to Torpoint on Saturday afternoon. The Cornish Telegraph

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1893

Tue 3 Jan Penzance (H)

Thu 5 Jan Old Mannamedians (H)

Sat 7 Jan Illogan (H)

Tue 10 Jan Old Mannamedians (A)

Fri 13 Jan Camborne (H) W 5-0 (Painter 44, 89, J. W. Bampfield ??, W. L. Donaldson ??, ??)

Team – C. L. Donaldson (GK), Paull, Norrington, J. G. Donaldson, H. Bampfield, Jenkin, J. W. Bampfield, Morrish, W. L. Donaldson, E. Bullen, Painter

Assist – J. G. Donaldson

These Association teams met at Truro on Friday the 13th, when the visitors were defeated by five goals to nil. During the first half play was of a very even character, but this result of the first trial of strength augured well for the home team as the visitors started with the hill in their favour. Thanks to the strong defence of Norrington and Paull (backs), and the very plucky play of C. L. Donaldson (goal) the visitors were prevented from scoring, and, although the Camborne territory was frequently invaded, the home team was unable to score until just before half-time, when Painter credited Truro with a goal. On change of ends there was little alteration in the character of the play, both teams displaying good combination, and alternately invading one another’s territory. The balance of advantage, however, undoubtedly rested with Truro, as the home team displayed better combination. Though frequently getting into dangerous proximity to the visitors’ goal, the second half of the game had considerably advanced before the home team were able to add another point to their score. The visits of the Camborne team to their opponents’ territory were not very numerous, and with C. L. Donaldson at goal their attacks were never such as so cause the friends of Truro any anxiety. Despite, this, however, thanks to Camborne’s back (Vivian), the home team were not able to increase their score for a considerable time. After some play in neutral ground, the Truro team, by some very excellent passing, carried the leather to the Camborne goal, where J. W. Bampfield succeeded in scoring. With this stroke of good play ended the hopes of the visitors, for it was scarcely two minutes after that W. L. Donaldson taking the ball from his brother (J. G. Donaldson) registered the third goal for the city team. Then followed a smart bit of play, and Camborne, rallying on two or three occasions, got dangerously near the Truro goal. Some capital play on the part of Bampfield, W. L. Donaldson, and Paull (who relieved splendidly) followed, although Camborne returned with almost equal effectiveness. The visitors, plucky as was their resistance, and smart as was the play of their goalkeeper, could not prevent the very strong attacks of their opponents. W. L. Donaldson taking the ball from midfield and carrying it down, cleverly scored, and shortly after – just before time – Painter shot a goal from a pass from the opposite end of the field. Cornish Post & Mining News

Fri 20 Jan Falmouth (A) W 3-0

Played last Friday at Falmouth Recreation Ground, which was in splendid condition. A very interesting game was witnessed. In the first half play was on both sides very good, the Falmouth forwards working well together. Towards the end of the first half, Truro scored two goals in quick succession. In the second half play was very even, Truro adding one more goal to their score, but it was disputed. Both teams played well, and if it had not been for the good defence of the Falmouth backs and half-backs, Truro would have scored more heavily. Paige, the Falmouth captain, was absent owing to the injury he received at Redruth on Saturday. Lake’s Falmouth Packet & Cornwall Advertiser

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1905

4 Nov Plymouth Argyle (H) L 0-3

Team – W. J. Paynter (GK), Paynter, Nicholas, Bawden, Palmer, Rigby, Knight, Tonkin, Henry Prideaux, Hutcheson, Pascoe

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1909

Fri 12 Nov Truro College (H) W 2-1 (Grose x2)

Team – Perry (GK), Stephens, Bawden, Clarke, Angear, Sirley, Brown, Curnow, Pengelly, Palmer, Grose

The small number of people attracted by the friendly match between Truro City and Truro College, on the former’s ground on Friday, were rewarded by witnessing a game full of interesting football. West Briton & Cornwall Advertiser

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1910

Sat 26 Feb HMS Defiance (H) W 20-0

Truro City established a notable record on Saturday, when they defeated H.M.S. Defiance to the tune of 20 goals to nil. The sailors were a sturdy lot of chaps, and ought to have put up a better fight. The City, although playing four reserves, were in fine form, and their display would have been creditable to many of the best teams. Twenty goals to nil is the highest score that has been recorded in Cornish football. The match provided a great triumph for the forward line, who were quick on the ball, smart in tackling, and always in their place when in an attacking position. Judging from the score one would think it was a goalkeeper’s day off, but Mason, the visitors’ custodian, played a capital game, and some of his saves were noteworthy. He was the sole target for the afternoon, and although the leather passed him on twenty occasions, he saved about as many times. The sailors’ back division were unable to cope with the City’s forward rushes, and their front line did not have the opportunity of showing their capabilities. On the other side the Truro defence were frequently aiming shots for goal, and the three halves were rewarded with goals, and the backs often came near the mark. For the Defiance, Knowles and Sullivan at half worked hard under great pressure. Of the forwards, Mattison, Bateson, and Baxter were best. Mitchell in goal for Truro and the backs had little to do. Angear, Pascoe, and Martin assisted in the attack. The play of Laughland, Wilton, and Palmer in the front rank was excellent, and there was not a fault with them. Nicholas, a junior, played a praiseworthy game at outside right, and Teague performed with credit on the extreme left. Royal Cornwall Gazette

Truro City were at home, on Saturday, in a guarantee match to the H.M.S. “Defiance” (Devonport). The City established a ground record, winning by no less than 20 goals to nil. West Briton & Cornwall Advertiser

Fri 4 Mar Penzance (H) D 0-0

Team – Perry (GK), Bawden, E. Nicholas, Welch, Angear, Clark, Pascoe, Teague, Henry Prideaux, Palmer, N. Nicholas

Fri 23 Sep Truro & District League (H) W 7-0 (Prideaux x4, Palmer x2, Pascoe)

Team – Perry (GK), Pengelly, Nicholas, Harwood, Pascoe, Welch, Sirley, Henry Prideaux, John Wilton, Palmer, Grose

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1919

Sat 11 Oct Penzance (H) W 3-1 (Thomas, Harwood, Grose)

Team – Ellis (GK), Nicholas, F. Pentecost, Keogh, Pascoe, Bawden, Bert Sirley, Harwood, Thomas, S. Trewin, Grose

Sat 1 Nov Penzance (A) D 2-2 (Thomas, Sirley)

Team – Stevens (GK), F. Pentecost, Nicholas, Keogh, Wills, Allen, Sirley, C. Pascoe, Thomas, S. Trewin, Skewes

The return friendly match between Truro City and Penzance at Penzance on Saturday was an exciting and interesting encounter, the result being a draw of two goals each. West Briton & Cornwall Advertiser

Sat 15 Nov Liskeard (A) L 1-3 (Buzza)

Truro City met Liskeard at Liskeard, on Saturday. A fast and evenly-contested game resulted in a win for the homesters by 3 goals to 1. Buzza scored for the City, and Nicholas struck the cross-bar with a penalty kick. The City were not at full strength. West Briton & Cornwall Advertiser

Sat 6 Dec Redruth Old Boys (N) W 3-1 (Thomas, Hunt, Varker)

Truro City met Redruth Old Boys in a friendly match, at Pool, on Saturday afternoon, and again acquitted themselves admirably, winning an interesting match by three goals to one. Unfortunately a strong wind was blowing, and this greatly interfered with the play. In the first half the City played with the wind, and at times attacked with considerable force. The resistance, however, was strong, and although Thomas and Hunt scored for the City, the Old Boys set up a good defence. The teams were fairly evenly balanced, and, had it not been for the stormy weather, some excellent football would have been witnessed. At half-time the City were leading by two goals to nil, but with the wind in their favour the Old Boys were soon successful in scoring, the honour falling to Oates. With a strong wind against them the City played an exceedingly good game, and through Varker, scored another goal, making three in all. Lugg’s first appearance in goal for the season showed he is a valuable acquisition to the City team, and he saved a number of fine shots. Both teams were in good form, and it would be difficult to particularise. Mr J. Phillips, of Truro, acted as referee. West Briton & Cornwall Advertiser

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1920

Fri 16 Jan Plymouth Argyle Reserves (H) L 1-2 (Palmer)

Team – Arthur Lugg (GK), Nicholas, Hawke, McLean, L. C. Wills, Jennings, Bert Sirley, Thomas, W. E. Hunt, Palmer, Grose

Sat 21 Feb Liskeard (H) W 3-2 (Farwell, Hunt pen, 80)

Team – J. Stevens (GK), F. Pentecost, Hawke, Tonkin, Wills, Davey, Nicholas, Hunt, Farwell, Stevens, Skewes

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1924

Sat 22 Mar Plymouth Argyle Reserves (H) W 3-1 (Bertolucci 30, Penna, Hunt)

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1926

Wed 21 Apr Everton (H) L 1-3 (Demelweek)

The visit of Everton to Truro on Wednesday evening attracted a crowd of over 2,000, and an excellent game, in which Everton displayed brilliant football, resulted in a win for the First League club by 3 goals to one. Truro put up a good show, and were the first to score, Demelweek heading the ball past Hardy from a lovely centre by Pring. Truro maintained their lead until about five minutes from the interval, when Dean beat Stitson with a good shot. Prior to this Everton seemed content to give the spectators an exhibition of the finer points of the game. In the second half Everton went ahead, Dean again scoring. Truro put up a good defence, and occasionally broke away, but the visitors’ rear division was safe. About 15 minutes from the end Dean again scored, thus completing the “hat-trick.” Mr A. Coffee, director of the Everton Club, expressed the appreciation of the players and himself of the visit to Cornwall. They had thoroughly enjoyed their games with St Austell and Truro. He was impressed with the play of Stitson, the Truro goalkeeper, and Buzza, the City’s left-back, and described the Truro team as a set of good workers. Western Morning News

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1927

Thu 5 May Bristol City (H) L 0-1

Bristol City’s visit to Truro on Thursday aroused a great deal of interest, and over 2,000 spectators, who were grateful to the Truro City club management for their enterprise in bringing the Third Division winners down West, thoroughly enjoyed a splendid exhibition of football which was full of interest from start to finish. The visitors gave a fine exposition of the game without unduly exerting themselves, their ball control, hardwork, positioning and passing being an object lesson, from which the home players should profit considerably. The Bristolians were of course, vastly superior to the local amateurs, both in skill and speed, but the home eleven made a very creditable show, and had they played in anything like this form on Monday and Tuesday they would assuredly have captured all the points from Liskeard and Newquay instead of dropping four out of six. The gate receipts were £113. West Briton & Cornwall Advertiser

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1928

Thu 3 May Luton Town (H) L 1-2 (Bertolucci) Att. 1,400 est

Team – Sings (GK), Flamank, Buzza, Tonkin, Walker, Low, Joe Bertolucci, Richards, Cecil Mills, Penna, Gill

Truro City entertained Luton Town at Treyew Road, on Thursday, May 3rd 1928. The result was Luton 2, Truro City 1. Truro scored first in the first half and played confidently until 20 minutes from the end when Luton equalised. So well did the City defend that there seemed a fair prospect of a draw, but two minutes from time Walker handled in the penalty area, and from the spot-kick Luton obtained the deciding goal, through Rennie. West Briton & Cornwall Advertiser

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1930

Sat 8 Feb Plymouth Argyle Reserves (H) L 2-5 (Dexter 30, Bell 65)

Team – Atkinson (GK), Buzza, Alcock, Churm, Bricknell, Champion, Joe Bertolucci, J. J. Bell, Dexter, Penna, E. S. Smith

Sat 20 Sep Exeter City Reserves (A) L 1-10 (Richards)

Team – Atkinson (GK), Buzza, R. Wilson, Cundy, Walker, Champion, May, Richards, Clench, Penna, Shewbrook

Truro City’s first ever visit to St James’ Park, Exeter, where they met Exeter City Reserves, on Saturday, before nearly 2,000 spectators, was a memorable one for the Truronians, who suffered their heaviest defeat in the history of the club, the Exeter men winning by the big margin of ten goals to one. Despite their severe trouncing, Truro put up a plucky display and earned the commendations of the spectators, who never failed to recognise good work by Truro. It was not expected that Truro would be capable of beating a side which included eight professionals, but the size of their defeat came as a surprise. West Briton & Cornwall Advertiser

Sat 11 Oct Plymouth Argyle Reserves (A) L 1-3 (Clench 20)

Team – Atkinson (GK), Buzza, Alcock, Crewes, Walker, Champion, Kneebone, Richards, Clench, Penna, Shewbrook

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1931

Sat 14 Mar Exeter City Reserves (H) W 5-3 (Treganowan 9, 25, 50, Rapsey 11, ??)

Team – Atkinson (GK), Buzza, Alcock, Russon, Walker, Smith, Hogan, Treganowan, Rapsey, Clench, Penna

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1932

Exeter City (H) L 1-3

5 Nov Exeter City Reserves (A) L 1-7 (Rapsey)

Team – Addison (GK), Harris, Buzza, Penfold, Monk, Smith, Hodge, Treganowan, Preston, Rapsey, Richards

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1934

Sat 29 Sep Exeter City (H) D 4-4 (Treganowan 15, 55, Dexter x2)

Team – Addison (GK), Tregidgo, Harris, Richards, Demelweek, Smith, Ford, Cecil Treganowan, Dexter, Mainwaring, Harris

Sat 8 Dec Plymouth Argyle Reserves (A) L 1-8 (Harris pen)

Team – Mitchell (GK), Harris, Alec Hardie, Richards, Demelweek, Smith, Alf Matthews, Cecil Treganowan, Dexter, Ford, Mainwaring

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1935

Sat 30 Mar Exeter City XI (A) L 1-5 (Matthews)

Though beaten by a four-goal margin in their game with Exeter City Reserves, at St James’ Park, on Saturday, Truro had far more of the play than the score indicates. Their approach work, especially on the right wing, where Matthews was altogether too fast for Smith, was good, but poor finishing ruined many promising movements. With a little more accuracy on the part of the inside forwards, the score might have been very different. After opening play had kept the ball in Truro’s territory, the visitors broke away in grand style, and a well-judged pass from Richards sent Matthews racing down the touch-line. The ex-Grecian winger, tricked Smith, Exeter’s left back, easily, and scored well – a brilliant solo effort. Truro were unfortunate in that they slacked off after this effort, and Tiernay, who was a thorn in the flesh of Buzza and Harris throughout the afternoon, paved the way to Exeter’s equaliser. The ball came out to him on the left wing, and tricking Buzza, he sent in an accurate centre, which Ebdon headed neatly past Partridge, the ball striking the underside of the bar en route to the net. For a time Truro had to concentrate on defence, the wily Tiernay being assiduously fed by the Exeter halves. It was from his centre that Exeter took the lead, McArthur outstripping Buzza and tapping the ball past Partridge as the goalkeeper ran out. Then the visitors livened up again, and but for some really bad luck, should have scored. Matthews again left Smith standing, and put over a centre which landed right at the feet of Hooper, who had closed in from the other wing. Hooper had a first-time smack at goal, but Brooking jumped in the nick of time and punched the ball over the bar. A few minutes later, Matthews had the rankest of bad luck when his strong shot was blocked to allow Brooking to clear. Neither defence was too happy, and both were apt to get rather rattled under pressure. Of the half-backs, Richards was the soundest on the field. His feeding of Matthews was a feature of the game. Half-time:- Exeter City Reserves, two goals; Truro City, one goal. Truro opened strongly on the resumption, and for some minutes kept up a hot attack, but a sudden dash by Tiernay put them on the defensive once more. Partridge, who played coolly throughout the game, saved well under pressure. Mainwaring led his forwards to the attack again, but found the home defence a good deal steadier than in the opening half. After about twenty minutes’ play, disaster overtook the Cornishmen in the shape of two quick goals from Ebdon, Exeter’s centre-forward. The first of these was a first-time shot, which turned Tiernay’s centre into the net, and before the defence had recovered from the blow, McArthur placed the ball right at the leader’s toes ten yards out. Ebdon shot before either Buzza or Harris could intercept the ball, and Truro were three goals in arrears. Mainwaring then made his best effort of the afternoon. Matthews, who was by this time outwitting Smith with monotonous regularity every time he got the ball, sent a long pass to midfield. The Cornish leader, though harassed by Lock and Barnes, made a great effort, and his shot travelled inches wide, with Brooking out of position. Ten minutes from time Dudley beat the defence all ends up and his shot gave Exeter their fifth and last goal. Truro deserved more goals, and but for their being without just that little bit of finish, would have scored on at least two occasions, and if Matthews had been more strongly backed up, he would have been much more dangerous. Truro tired in the closing stages, and the match ended with Exeter having things much as they pleased. Result:- Exeter City Reserves, five goals; Truro City, one goal. West Briton & Cornwall Advertiser

Sat 27 Apr Plymouth Argyle Reserves (H) L 2-4 (Mainwaring, Matthews 75 pen)

Team – Partridge (GK), Buzza, Hooper, Ford, Demelweek, McCabe, Alf Matthews, Holman, Mainwaring, J. Bickenson, E. L. Bickenson

Sat 30 Nov Torquay United Reserves (A) L 2-7

Sat 7 Dec Torquay United Reserves (H) D 2-2 (Mann, Smith pen)

Team – Barnett (GK), Wyatt (Royal Marines), Griffiths, Richards, Crewes, Smith, Duke, Mainwaring, Sweeting (Royal Marines), Mann, Hooper

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1948

Sat 17 Apr Plymouth Argyle ‘A’ (H) L 1-6 (Searson 50 pen)

Team – Cann (GK), Searson, Keating, Champion, Behenna, Phillips, Marshall, Jennings (capt), Murton, MacMahon, Morgan

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1949

Wed 20 Apr Plymouth Argyle XI (H) L 2-3 (Trebilcock, Murton pen) Att. 2,500 est

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1950

Sat 8 Apr Bromley (H) D ?-?

On Good Friday, Bromley gave a fine exhibition at St Austell when they won by three goals to two, but on Saturday the holiday spirit seemed to prevail and they could only draw with Truro City, who put up a good fight and in striking contrast to the mediocre display of the previous day. Cornish Guardian

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1951

Tue 8 May Torquay United (H) L 0-7

Torquay United have played two games in Cornwall this week, and they won them both. They beat Truro City 7-0 on Tuesday, and a Penzance and District XI 5-1 last night (Wednesday). West Briton & Cornwall Advertiser

Thu 17 May Bristol Rovers (H) L 2-5 (Honey 75, Simcock 89 pen) Att. 3,000 est

Team – P. Hoggett (GK), R. Cox (St Austell), C. Streat, Rex Jennings, E. Chesterton (Wadebridge), W. Kellow (St Austell), R. Ferris (Culdrose & Newquay), N. Lobb (St Blazey), R. Richards, E. Honey (Culdrose), W. Oliver (St Blazey)

Petherbridge is his name. This diminutive, half-pint sized version of Torquay’s Shaw was the man of the match at Treyew Road, on Thursday evening, when this season’s record crowd of something like 3,000 people saw Bristol Rovers give a delightful exhibition of soccer to win comfortably by five goals to two. But the match was made doubly interesting by the revival that Truro staged in the last 15 minutes. Playing as they had not played before, the City excelled themselves by putting two goals past the “impenetrable” Hoyle. This was indeed a festival game for Bristol Rovers, whose brilliant run in the FA Cup competition carried them as far as the sixth round. But there was nothing at stake in this game, and although none of the spectators could have hoped for a Truro win, or even a draw, they could not have been disappointed with the workmanlike way the City side met this season’s shock team. It was not difficult to find the reason for the Rovers’ cup and league success last season. Their speed alone was more than enough to upset the City’s balance, and with the halves supplying the forwards with perfect ground passes, the City defence was hard pressed throughout most of the game. Although the City forwards were given few chances, the defence was constantly in action dealing with the cut and thrust movements of the Rovers’ forward line. T. Cox (St Austell), guesting centre-half for Truro, had a good game against centre-forward Lambden. His cool, unhurried clearances were a feature of the game. Truro’s back, C. A. Streat (capt) and C. A. C. McDowell, both played well, and Streat, with the unenviable task of marking Petherbridge, was at his best. But full marks go to Bristol Rovers, who provided spectators with a feast of soccer tricks. Their first goal came after seven minutes, when Bradford netted through a crowd of players in a goalmouth scramble. Lambden was unlucky not to score a minute later. He headed the ball over goalkeeper Hoggett, but Cox, standing on the line, headed it away to safety. And then came the series of Petherbridge centres that gave the Rovers their last four goals. After 15 minutes he centred for Lambden to send a header rocketing into the corner of the net: after 30 minutes another grand centre was headed in by Bradford: and three minutes before the interval he laid on a pass for a second Lambden header. Goal No. 5 came in the 68th minute. Petherbridge’s centre was quickly snapped up by Hart, who turned and netted with a first time shot. Truro had a golden chance to score a minute later, but Ferris ballooned the ball over the bar from a few yards. Truro increased the pressure in the last 15 minutes, and from one excellent move centre-forward Honey (Cornwall and Culdrose) ran through on his own to score. Streat sent a hefty clearance to Richards, who centred for Honey to make his run. Bristol received a last-minute shock when Truro were awarded a penalty. Simcock took the kick, and his shot beat Hoyle all the way. West Briton & Cornwall Advertiser

Sat 19 May Bristol City (H) L 1-7 (Ferris) Att. 3,000 est

Team – P. F. Hoggett (GK), Michael Allen (Truro Minors), L. A. Rowe (St Austell), Rex Jennings, T. Cox (St Austell), G. B. Simcock, E. Dunstan, R. Ferris (Culdrose & Newquay), C. McDowell, N. Lobb (St Blazey), C. A. Streat

The 1950-51 season for Truro City has ended, and how it ended! In perfect cricket weather, 3,000 spectators watched the City, assisted by four guest players, lose to Bristol City in the last of their Festival of Britain games, at Treyew Road, on Saturday, by seven goals to one. Although they gave the impression of not being so strong as their Third Division rivals, Bristol Rovers, the City did show flashes of the difference between English League football and Cornish football. Undoubtedly much of the secret lies in teamwork and in uncanny understanding among the players. Some of the movements executed so easily and skilfully by Bristol are rarely, if ever, seen in Cornwall. Behind almost all of the Bristol movements was the stocky figure of player-manager Pat Beasley. Beasley, who has seen service with First Division clubs Arsenal and Fulham, played a shrewd, thoughtful game at inside-left. As an exponent of the square pass he can have few equals in the Third Division. In the veteran stage now, Beasley was the complete master of the situation, his moves sometimes baffling even his colleagues. Truro played as well as they were allowed, and again proved the contention that they always play better against good footballing sides. One marked difference between the teams was that the professional side went to meet the ball. To hold back, or wait against them proved to be fatal and several of the goals were scored following that slight hesitation by the Truro defence. For Truro, Hoggett played his usual safe game and could not be blamed for any of the shots that beat him. Young Michael Allen, the Truro Minors right-back, brought in to replace N. May (St Blazey and Cornwall), did well against Bristol’s speedy left-winger Williams. T. Cox (St Austell) had another good game at centre-half. Although centre-forward Rodgers scored three, Cox saved at least two other goals with well-judged, last-minute tackles. But again it was Rex Jennings who caught the eye. Strong in the tackle, and showing some superb ball-control, his main fault lay in his final pass. A great deal of his hard work was undone by the final pass going straight to an opposing player. R. Ferris (RNAS Culdrose and Newquay) was the pick of the forwards. It took Bristol six minutes to open the scoring when outside-right Boyd fastened on to a defensive lapse and gave Hoggett no chance with his cross shot. Within a minute they were two up. In a goalmouth scramble a Truro defender handled, and Beasley scored from the “spot” with a terrific shot into the top of the net. After 15 minutes Rodgers scored the third goal, and he scored two more to complete his “hat-trick” before inside-right Rogers glided the ball past Hoggett after a fine individual movement by Williams, to give Bristol a 6-0 interval lead. After the interval Bristol swarmed down on the Truro goal in a movement in which nearly all the forwards and the halves touched the ball. It ended with Rogers steering the ball past Hoggett. But the goal was disallowed for offside. For a period Truro swung into the attack, and forced three corners in succession. Lobb hit the bar from a free kick and a little later he sent over a well-judged cross for Ferris to head home. Bristol were awarded another penalty and again Beasley scored from the “spot.” West Briton & Cornwall Advertiser

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1956

Thu 6 Sep Crystal Palace (H) W 3-2 (Osborne, Dillon x2) Att. 1,500 est

Team – Eric Lawton (GK), S.A.C. Groves (RAF St Eval), Peter Collins, Johnny Kendall, Harold Jefferies, Ron Jones, Trevor Jones, Cpl. Nutley (RAF St Eval), Vince Dillon, Gordon Osborne (Royal Navy), Dave Reynolds

Once again Truro City rose to the big occasion on Thursday. Before a 1,500 crowd – no doubt many more now wish they had seen the match – the City, helped by four guest players, defeated a young but very clever Crystal Palace team. It was a good start to the “marriage” of these two clubs and this 3-2 win will impress on the Third Division club that their latest nursery is not content to sit back and bask in any reflected glory that may emanate from the London club. Yes, this was one of the best games likely to be seen at Treyew Road this season. What a far cry it was from last week’s ballooning and junior-style chasing of the ball. Yet this team showed only four changes from that which played against Falmouth. True, two of those guests were outstanding – centre-half Harold Jefferies and inside-left Gordon Osborne. Jefferies must have impressed the Crystal Palace officials and no doubt he will be watched again. Osborne played a grand attacking game especially in the first half and didn’t give former Truro player Dave Davies much opportunity to shine. But, even taking into consideration the help from these two players and from right-back Groves and inside-right Nutley from St Eval, the remainder of the Truro team seemed vastly different players from last Saturday. Half-backs Ron Jones and John Kendall were on top form. They not only subdued the lively Palace inside-forwards but still found time to give their own attack a good service. And the attack made good use of it. Only one prolonged incident marred this game for those who really love soccer – the baiting of Dave Reynolds. Everyone, including the youngster himself, knows he is going through a bad time. On Thursday for instance, it seemed that the harder he tried the more unkindly the ball ran for him. Remembering that and the fact at least one of the powerful shots would have beaten a less active and skilled goalkeeper than Smith. It was surely unnecessary for a section of the crowd to forget that they were sportsmen – if ever they were – and “get” at him. Reynolds will fight his way back and will be all the better player for it but why so-called supporters prefer to hamper rather than inspire his recovery is beyond comprehension. Forgetting that black spot, let us return to the highlights of this grand game. Crystal Palace were a young side but the majority of them were full-time professionals. They really need someone with experience to weld them into a team. It was a pity Barry Pierce was not playing. He was on the field but was suffering from a slightly pulled muscle sustained while playing for the first team against Reading the previous night. Their outstanding player was centre-half Felton. His anticipation was almost uncanny and he intercepted with such speed that Vince Dillon was unfairly criticised at one time for “not working.” That criticism faded when Dillon got the two goals that really mattered – the equaliser and the winner – and what beauties they were. In attack young Tommy Worth last season’s Plymouth Argyle youth international took the eye while left-half Sanders got through a great deal of work. The great trouble with this Palace side was that they played for long periods without any sense of urgency. They didn’t seem to go all out until they found themselves in arrears and the second time it happened it was too late. The Palace started off as if they would swamp Truro. They forced three corners in as many minutes and Lawton was strongly tested. But gradually Truro got a grip on the game and they deserved the first goal by Gordon Osborne. Smith made his only mistake by punching the ball down. It hit Dillon and Trevor Jones, who did well on the right wing, unselfishly stepped aside for Osborne to bang the ball into the roof of the net. There was not a great deal in it and in the 38th minute Tommy Worth equalised with a well-placed shot having been put through by Brown. The second half was only a minute old when Johnny Kendall brilliantly headed a terrific shot from Moyse off the goal-line with Lawton out of his goal. But Moyse made sure just afterwards with another grand shot. Most of the near misses and bad misses in this half were made by Truro. But in the 25th minute Dillon equalised from a cross by Peter Collins, the better of the two Truro full backs. Truro supporters were delighted and would have settled for a draw. But better things were to come. In the 34th minute Jefferies broke up a Palace attack, and sent a long, accurate ball to Cpl. Nutley. Drawing the centre-half he pushed a perfect cross to Dillon who suddenly changed feet and hit a wonderful shot from well outside the penalty area past the surprised Smith. West Briton & Cornwall Advertiser

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1970

Tue 11 Aug Plymouth Argyle (H) D 2-2

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1972

Wed 13 Sep Arsenal (H) L 2-6

Squad – Trevor Salsbury, Brian Adams, David Williams, Ernie Hooper, Alan Morris, Terry Askey, Doug Rosevear, John Wardle, Brian Rimes (capt), Brian Durkin, Derek Salmon, Jack Martin, Billy Boston, Jock Sommerville, Keith Morris

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1977

Sat 12 Feb Marazion (A) L 0-3

Team – Julian Grant (GK),

Sub Used – Paul Cartilage (GK)

Never managing to produce anything like their best form, Truro City went down to a 3-0 defeat in their friendly match at Marazion on Saturday. Currently runners-up in the Cornwall Combination League – in which they have conceded only 18 goals in 16 matches – Marazion built up a 2-0 interval lead and the final score did not flatter them. Manager Alan Dennis summed up the City’s display as “an extremely disappointing all round performance and one that is best forgotten.” Young goalkeeper Paul Cartilage, a member of Truro Minors and the county youth team, who has joined the City from Perranwell, made his first appearance for his new club in the second half when he took over from Julian Grant. Manager Dennis’s verdict: “A most promising debut.” West Briton & Cornwall Advertiser

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1978

3 May Tottenham Hotspur (H) L 2-8 (Fear 68, T. Webb 90 pen) Att. 6,000 est

Team – George Foster (Plymouth Argyle), Keith Fear (Plymouth Argyle), Mike Green (Torquay United), Tony Webb, Tony Roberts

Wed 26 Jul Plymouth Argyle (H) D 2-2 (Mahoney 15, Rowe 88)

Truro City delighted about 500 spectators when they held Plymouth Argyle to a 2-2 draw in a pre-season friendly match at the Treyew Road ground on Wednesday. When Argyle went 2-1 up in the 87th minute with a goal by Steve Perrin Truro looked doomed to defeat. Within 60 seconds, though, they were back on level terms, Peter Rowe slipping through the Argyle defences to beat goalkeeper Martin Hodge. It was Truro who opened the scoring well against the run of play. Mahoney found the net in the 15th minute. Argyle did a considerable amount of attacking, but former Cornwall player Paul Corlett was safe in the City goal. They eventually managed to get the ball into the net, through Gary Megson, but after consulting a linesman the referee disallowed the effort. Chris Harrison put Plymouth on terms, but generally speaking their shooting never matched their approach work. Fear even failed to score from the penalty spot – his kick being saved by Corlett. West Briton & Cornwall Advertiser

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1981

Sun 22 Mar Sheffield United (H) L 1-9 (T. Webb pen)

A vociferous but good-humoured bunch of young Sheffield United supporters added a touch of colour and real soccer atmosphere to the game at Treyew Road on Sunday afternoon. There was a surprising profusion of red-and-white caps, scarves and ties in the crowd which watched the Blades take on Truro City in a match in aid of the Keith Solomon Memorial Fund, writes Mike Trevail. Both as a spectacle and a fund-raising effort the game was a great success. The prolonged downpour ended in time to allow a squad of about 20 volunteer workers to get on to the pitch during the morning and prepare a surface which, under the circumstances, was surprisingly good. Attraction of the first half was the appearance of World Cup star Martin Peters, the United manager, at right-back. Only the bar denied him a goal before he retired to the trainers’ box for the second period. During the break, City chairman Tim Hamilton thanked the Sheffield club for their generous offer to play the match which had attracted a £740 “gate.” Together with a raffle, donations and other income, the total raised should exceed £1,000. As was to be expected, Sheffield took Truro apart without ever raising a sweat. Their precision passing and running off the ball was a rare treat for Cornish fans. After only two minutes centre-forward Steve Charles shot them into the lead, and he went on to complete a first-half hat-trick. With former Plymouth Argyle player Mike Trusson and Trenton Wiggan also finding the net, United led 5-0 at the break. John Ryan, in the 46th minute, and Bob Hatton in the 61st made it 7-0 before City were awarded their consolation score. Tony Webb beat Steve Conroy from the spot after Gary Wignall stumbled into the mud, and referee Mike Hodges generously awarded a penalty. Wiggan and Steve Neville lifted United’s tally to nine, and only a couple of swift interceptions by Dave Casley denied the visitors a double-figure score. West Briton & Cornwall Advertiser

Mon 3 Aug St Blazey (A) W 5-0 (C. Webb 25, D. Webb pen, Stokes, Tabb, Jones)

Team – Peter Child (GK), Steve Caruana, Alan Gilbert, David Webb, Mark Jarvis, Des Coad, Dave Deacon, Chris Webb, Steve Tabb, Howard Stokes, Haydn Jose

Subs Used – Clive Jones, Brian Trethewey, Andrew Allen, Peter Underwood, John Hawke

Assists – Caruana 25, D. Webb, Allen

Truro City began their run-up to the 1981-82 soccer season on Monday with an encouraging 5-0 away victory over opponents who included several players with South Western League experience. City’s team was largely drawn from last season’s Combination squad, but Peter Child – signed from Falmouth Docks – made a competent debut in goal, and Alan Gilbert, the former Illogan defender was in the centre at the back. At right-back was Steve Caruana, Truro Rugby Club’s regular full-back last season and a former Cornwall Colt. Steve, who has played occasionally for City’s 2nd XI is considering chasing a go at soccer this season. The better side from the start, Truro went ahead after 25 minutes when Chris Webb ran on to a pass from Caruana and rounded the keeper. In the second period David Webb scored a penalty after Howard Stokes had been brought down. Webb then provided a long pass for Stokes to make it 3-0. Steve Tabb had a deflected fourth and Clive Jones netted the fifth from an Andrew Allen pass. Truro’s team at the kick-off was Peter Child, Steve Caruana, Alan Gilbert, David Webb, Mark Jarvis, Des Coad, Dave Deacon, Chris Webb, Steve Tabb, Howard Stokes, Haydn Jose. During the second half Clive Jones, Brian Trethewey, Andrew Allen, Peter Underwood and John Hawke had a run-out. West Briton & Cornwall Advertiser

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1982

Sat 7 Aug Penryn (A) L 0-4

Team – Barry Medlin (GK), P. Philp, Ray Smith, Steve Williams, Andrew Medlin, Steve Tabb, Peter Hunt, A. Allen, Brian Dyer, John Hawke, Kevin King

Subs Used – Peter Garbutt, Shaun Gilbert, I. Collings

Poor finishing let City down in this friendly against Combination League champions Penryn on Saturday. They created as many good chances as their opponents, but failed to score with any of them. Fielding a makeshift side, different from the original selection, they gave as good as they got – except in the area of finishing. But manager Peter Garbutt said afterwards that he was pleased that the side were creating chances. For most of the game, Truro played with two Minors players, Andrew Medlin (16) and Shaun Gilbert (15). Goalkeeper Barry Medlin had to go off early in the second period with a pulled thigh muscle and manager Garbutt took over. But he does not plan to make a regular habit of playing. Mr. Garbutt praised Steve Tabb for his 100 per cent effort and added that he had set a fine example in the game as he had done in training. Truro trailed 2-0 at half-time, one of the goals a disputed penalty. West Briton & Cornwall Advertiser

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1985

Sun 22 Sep Wolverhampton Wanderers (H) D 6-6 (Perks, T. Webb 30, Symons, Tabb 55, ??, ??) Att. 1,000 Est

Team – Gary Beckerlegg (GK), Mark Wearne, George Pattison, Tony Webb, Mike Leech, Tony Burt, Mark Symons, Gary Pamflett, Chris Webb, Steve Tabb, Paul Perks

Truro put up a terrific performance to hold Wolverhampton Wanderers at Treyew Road in a match watched by a crowd of around 1,000. But it was all too easy to see how much Wolves, once one of the top clubs in the country, have declined. They are bottom of Division III with three points from eight games and in deep financial trouble. Their very young side look to be in for a very difficult winter. However, full credit must go to Truro who produced their best football of the season and competed well, scoring some excellent goals in an entertaining and sporting match. Wolves went ahead after nine minutes when a long-range shot by Alan Ainscow slipped through the hands of City keeper Gary Beckerlegg. However, their defence never looked secure and City equalised when Paul Perks headed home at the far post after George Pattison had flicked the ball over his head. Neil Edwards and Andy King made it 3-1 to Wolves before City pulled a goal back on the half-hour. Mark Wearne crossed after a fine run for Tony Webb to head powerfully past Tim Flowers. Another mistake by Beckerlegg allowed King to make it 4-2 at the interval. Both sides made several substitutions at the interval, but it did not hinder Truro and within ten minutes of the restart goals by skipper Mark Symons and Steve Tabb had put them level. Edwards restored Wolves’ advantage with a good shot only for a determined Truro to draw level when Tabb scored with a well-placed shot. Both sides had chances before John Morrissey looked to have sealed victory for the League side, but Tabb had other ideas, completing his hat-trick a minute later after Flowers had blocked a Symons shot. City fought well and never gave the League side a chance to settle and if they can maintain this type of form then results should start improving quickly. Wolves, though, look to be in for a long haul under their new manager Bill McGarry. Yesterday’s crowd should enable Truro to break even on the visit. They had to pay the hotel and travelling costs of the impoverished League side. West Briton & Cornwall Advertiser

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1986

Mon 8 Dec Oxford United (H) L 0-3

A crowd of approaching 1,500 braved the appalling weather on Monday evening to watch First Division Oxford United play Truro City in a match to officially open the club’s £15,000 new floodlights. The poor weather obviously deterred a number of spectators, but City’s business manager Mr Peter Heayn said that he was very pleased that so many had still turned out to support club. Oxford brought with them the Milk Cup which they won by beating QPR at Wembley last season and their side included a number of first team regulars including £175,000 David Leworthy. It was Leworthy who put them ahead in the 20th minute with Lee Nogan making it 2-0 seven minutes later. On a wet pitch and in near gale force winds, Truro battled well and restricted Oxford to just one second-half goal, again scored by Leworthy. After the match Oxford were presented with the Keith Solomon Shield for winning the game. The shield was given to Truro by Sheffield United following the death of former Truro keeper Keith Solomon in 1981 when he was a professional with United. The Oxford squad and manager Maurice Evans were entertained at the club following the game and were also presented with an engraved vase by Truro City, which will be kept in their trophy room. Each of their players also received a club tie. A large cake in the shape of a football pitch with the shields of both clubs on it, given by club chairman Tim Hamilton, was also presented and will now go to Pencalenick School near Truro at the request of Oxford. Mr Heayn said that they hoped to get further Football League sides to the ground before the end of the season. West Briton & Cornwall Advertiser

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1987

Mon 27 Jul Brentford (H) L 2-6

Wed 5 Aug Plymouth Argyle (H) L 1-7 (Tabb)

Team – Steve Gill (GK), Chris Webb, Nigel Kellow, John Claypole, Neil Stephens, Tony Burt, Kevin Anderton, Graham Bilkey, Wignall, Paul Perks, Bruce Jane

Subs Used – Annear, Mark Symons, Tony Webb, Steve Tabb, Phil Coombes, Dave Streat

Watched by a crowd of about 1,000 Truro City competed well for the first hour of this pre-season friendly on Wednesday. They trailed 1-0 at the break to a 27th-minute John Clayton goal and after an hour were 3-1 down. But Argyle’s superior skill and fitness told and they rattled in four more goals. However, it was another good work-out for Truro as they prepare for the start of their Jewson South Western League season – at home to Bugle next Saturday. Manager Tony Roberts used five substitutes at the interval to give his currently oversized squad a game. This may have also accounted for Argyle’s second half dominance in an enjoyable game. Clayton put Argyle ahead three minutes after Bruce Jane had gone close to giving City the lead – his close-range shot was blocked. Doug Anderson, Argyle’s £15,000 signing from Tranmere Rovers, got on to the score sheet nine minutes into the second period when he calmly slotted the ball past Steve Gill, who had a fine game. Another first-teamer, Steve Cooper, made it 3-0 with a powerful header before Truro got what was to prove their only goal. A fierce long-range drive by Kevin Anderton rebounded from the underside of the bar with Geoff Crudgington beaten and striker Steve Tabb followed up to bundle the ball over the line. Clayton completed his hat-trick with two good goals and Russell Coughlin and Eddie McElhinney rounded off the scoring in the closing minutes. Truro rarely threatened in the second half – their strike-force, which lacked the injured Neil Phillips, struggled to make much impression. City’s best player was defender John Claypole. West Briton & Cornwall Advertiser

Mon 10 Aug Manchester United (H) L 0-4 HT 0-2

Team – 6 Mark Wearne

Subs Used – 14 Steve Tabb

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1988

Mon 25 Jan Queen’s Park Rangers (H) L 0-8 Att. 2,000 est

Team – Steve Gill (GK), Tony Burt, Pat Evans, Chris Thomas, Nigel Kellow, Dave Streat, Dominic Evans, Graham Bilkey, Bruce Jane, Tony Webb, Mark Symons

Watched by a crowd of around 2,000, First Division Queen’s Park Rangers showed off their full range of skills at Treyew Road when they became the latest Football League side to play Truro City. Scoring eight goals without reply Rangers had what their boss Jim Smith described as a “nice, gentle work-out” in preparation for their fourth round FA Cup tie at home to West Ham on Saturday. The London club could have easily reached double figures against a battling home side who not surprisingly tired in the closing stages of a match played on a very heavy pitch. On his return to Treyew Road, where he last played ten years ago for Spurs in a friendly to mark the ground’s opening. £350,000 signing Mark Falco scored four times and fellow forward Gary Bannister hit two. Rangers substitute John Byrne scored their sixth in the second minute of the next half but the pace slowed down a bit after that until the final 15 minutes when Bannister and Paul Kerslake put one away. After the game QPR manager Jim Smith said that the game had served its purpose as they had come to play a competitive and aggressive match. He added that they had been “very impressed” by Truro’s performance. For Truro goalkeeper Steve Gill brought off some excellent first half saves and the whole team worked hard against the odds in the difficult conditions. Truro’s business manager Peter Heayn said the gate of just over 2,000 had made the club enough money to cover the cost of QPR’s four-day visit. “We were very, very pleased with the turnout considering the weather. We hoped all supporters who braved the elements enjoyed the football.” he said. Mr Heayn revealed that Truro was negotiating with two other First Division clubs to hold Treyew Road fixtures against their first teams later this year and it was hoped that Rangers would return next year during better weather. Of Truro’s opponents, who were due to leave Cornwall yesterday (27 January) after their stay at Truro’s Brookdale Hotel and a specially organised disco and golf match. Mr Heayn said their attitude had been the best of any visitors to play City. West Briton & Cornwall Advertiser

Mon 25 Jul Doncaster Rovers (H) L 2-4 (Slade x2)

Sun 31 Jul Maidstone United (H)

Sat 6 Aug Enfield Town (H)

Mon 8 Aug Luton Town (H) D 1-1 (Slade)

Truro gained an excellent draw with Littlewoods Cup holders Luton in their friendly on Monday evening. The Division 1 club included several internationals in their line-up but in a well contested first half it was Truro who went ahead with a well-taken goal from Dave Slade. Mark Stein equalised for the visitors right before half-time when the ball ran loose but despite almost non-stop pressure in the second half they failed to break down a stubborn Truro defence, in which keeper Dennis Annear made several fine saves.

Sun 16 Oct Manchester City (H) L 2-6 (Massey 53, 90)

Team – Steve Gill (GK), Nigel Kellow, Mark Symons, Graham Bilkey, Eric Priest, Steve Massey, Dave Slade

Subs Used – Chris Webb, Bruce Jane

Assist – Slade 53

Truro played their full part in making this prestige friendly one of the most entertaining games seen at the ground involving a side from the Football League. They played some good football, particularly in the second half, scoring two fine goals, although naturally the Second Division visitors always held the upper hand. Manchester, fielding five of the side that beat Plymouth Argyle a day before, with two more on the substitute’s bench, provided splendid entertainment for a large and appreciative crowd. It took Manchester 23 minutes to break down a gallant home defence when Paul Simpson’s shot was superbly saved by Steve Gill, but the ball eventually came back to Paul Bradshaw, who netted from close range. Truro tackled and covered well, but fell further behind in the 31st minute when Jason Beckford hammered in a powerful shot after the ball had run loose. The home side had their chances, Eric Priest shooting straight at Andy Dibble as well as fluffing another chance. Steve Massey also had an opportunity but delayed his shot. Right on the interval, Paul Mouldon made it 3-0 after a fine run and cross by Simpson. At half-time, Truro brought on Chris Webb and Bruce Jane for Graham Bilkey and Priest. Within eight minutes, Truro got their first goal. The persistence of Dave Slade saw him win the ball and cross for fellow striker Massey to find the net. Two minutes later Massey was put clear, but was unable to finish. Hughes made it 4-1 in the 62nd minute and substitute Wayne Biggins scored their fifth seven minutes later. Truro continued to battle well and were rewarded when Massey scored right on 90 minutes after Slade’s effort had been blocked by Dibble. But there was still time for Mouldon to grab Manchester’s sixth in injury time. Manchester City skipper Brian Gayle received the Keith Solomon Shield from Rodney Solomon, brother of Keith, who tragically died at the age of 19 in 1981 when a trainee professional with Sheffield United. Manchester are now staying a few days in the county as guests of Truro City. The match was substantially sponsored by Castlemain Lager, whose local suppliers are Treliske Cellars Supplies Ltd.

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1989

1 Aug Maidstone United (H) 

13 Nov Plymouth Argyle (H) L 0-5

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1991

13 Aug Plymouth Argyle (H) L 1-3

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1993

Tue 20 Jul Watford (H) L 1-3 (Robison)

Jewson South Western League champions Truro City lost 3-1 at home to Division 1 side Watford on Tuesday evening in their opening friendly of the season. Darren Robison gave Truro the lead, before goals by Paul Furlong, Ken Charlery and Gary Porter earned Watford victory. West Briton & Cornwall Advertiser

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1995

Sat 29 Jul Plymouth Argyle (H) L 0-6

Squad – Dennis Annear (GK), Adrian Lamerton, Chris Webb, Chris Nicholls, Darren Redding, Hughes, Mark Symons, Justin Norman, Graeme Kirkup, Adrian Bleasdale, Dave Ford, Damian Stevens, Justin Andrew, Steve Wherry, Darren Robison, Tristan Wood, Mark Damerell, Richardson

Truro City were no match for Neil Warnock’s new-look Plymouth Argyle at Treyew Road on Saturday, and no-one really expected anything different in this prestigious pre-season friendly. The Pilgrims delighted their Cornish supporters with three strikes in under 20 minutes before easing up under the afternoon sun to allow Truro a little more possession. Warnock had promised to bring his full first team squad to Treyew Road and the man who led Huddersfield to promotion last season kept his word. On show were new signings Paul Williams, Mick Heathcote, Ronnie Mauge and Adrian Littlejohn, and old favourites such as Kevin Nugent, Martin Barlow, Wayne Burnett and Mark Patterson were also in the arena. Facing the Truro strikers was Swindon Town ‘keeper Nicky Hammond, who could become an Argyle player if Warnock likes what he sees. However, Hammond was given little chance to shine as he had few shots to deal with. Truro could have taken the lead in the opening minutes but Adrian Bleasdale nodded the ball wide from a good scoring position. Argyle then took over and Burnett scored from the penalty spot after Tristan Wood brought down Littlejohn inside the area. The Devon professionals always looked dangerous going forward and in Mauge and Littlejohn have two players who will cause havoc in Division Three when the season begins in earnest. They certainly caused havoc at Treyew Road, Mauge heading in Burnett’s cross for goal No. 2 in the 18th minute and Littlejohn popping in the next just one minute later. Littlejohn was the sharpest man on the field and it was fitting that he should score the goal of the game after 40 minutes when he glided past a couple of home defenders and beat Dennis Annear with a blistering shot from 15 yards. At the other end, Bleasdale blasted over the bar. But play soon returned to the Truro half and Annear did well to save a header from Nugent. It was all change for the second half. Argyle rested such players as Heathcote, Mauge, Littlejohn and Nugent, and Truro manager Leigh Cooper made similar moves. Argyle even introduced Peter Swan, the club’s most expensive player, wingers Micky Ross and Sam Shilton – son of Peter Shilton – and striker Michael Evans. Evans was on target five minutes into the half and Chris Twiddy finished off the scoring in injury time. West Briton & Cornwall Advertiser

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1996

Fri 2 Aug Torquay United (H) L 1-6 (Norman 49)

Squad – Dennis Annear (GK), Chris Webb, Tristan Wood, Graeme Kirkup, Nigel Pugh, Steve Allen, Darren Redding, Ian Gosling, Mark Rowe, Adrian Bleasdale, John Burrows, Dave Ford, Damian Stevens, Mark Damerell, Justin Norman, Steve Wherry

Truro were equal to their league visitors in the first half of their Keith Solomon Memorial Trophy game on Friday, but fitness told in the second period and they were well and truly beaten by the better side. Torquay fielded a strong side containing such players as player-coach Gary Nelson, the one-time Plymouth Argyle favourite, goalkeeper Rhys Wilmott, another former Pilgrim, and striker Richard Hancock. But the best player on the field was without doubt the Gulls’ Rodney Jack, whose speed and trickery was the highlight of the game. Torquay opened the proceedings with a couple of spirited attacks which led to corners, but Truro began pushing the ball around and were soon equal in terms of play. Home keeper Dennis Annear was called on to make a cracking save from Hancock during a full-blooded attack, and then did likewise to keep another shot out, pushing the ball around an upright for a corner. Torquay’s Michael Preston then unleashed a terrific shot which sailed over the bar. At this stage of the game Truro were playing some sweet football, but Torquay were looking the most dangerous going forward, and Annear did well to get to a shot by Nelson and palm the ball away for another corner. The first half ended in a goalless stalemate, but Truro shocked the professionals with the opening goal just four minutes into the second period from Justin Norman. Torquay were level two minutes later when Hancock slid the ball in the net, and then took the lead through Mark Hawthorne. The visitors changed up another gear but Truro were unable to match this, leading to further goals by Ellis Laight (3) and Jack. West Briton & Cornwall Advertiser

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2000

29 Jul Plymouth Argyle (H) L 0-5 Att. 1,000 est

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2001

25 Jul Sheffield United (H) L 1-6 (C. Wolstencroft)

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2005

2005 Plymouth Argyle (H) L 1-2 (Wort)

Squad – Paul Hider, Fergus Nevin, Luke Wort

Subs Used – Andy Butcher

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2006

3 Oct Plymouth Argyle (H) D 1-1 (Hooper)

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2007

13 Jul Exeter City (H) L 0-3 Att. 180

Sat 21 Jul Tiverton Town (A) D 1-1

1 Aug Plymouth Argyle (H) L 0-4

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2008

15 Jul Exeter City (H) L 1-4 (Yetton 26 pen) Att. 200

25 Jul Crystal Palace (H) L 0-1

30 Jul Plymouth Argyle (H) L 0-1

1 Aug Torquay United (H) L 1-2 (Walker 30)

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2009

13 Jul Plymouth Argyle (H) L 0-2

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2010

10 Jul Plymouth Argyle (H) L 0-2

22 Jul Leyton Orient (N) L 0-4

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2011

16 Jul Yeovil Town (H) D 2-2 (Smith 2, OG 83)

23 Jul QPR (H) L 2-4 (Afful 4, Palmer 69) Att. 1,056

27 Jul Plymouth Argyle (A) L 1-2 (Afful 26)

30 Jul Torquay United (H) L 2-6 (Taylor 38, Hayles 80)

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2012

24 Jul Plymouth Argyle (H) L 0-1 Att. 1,007

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2013

5 Jul Crewe Alexandra (H) L 1-2 (Eddy 85) Att. 464

17 Jul Plymouth Argyle XI (H) D 1-1 (Vickers 90 pen)

29 Jul Oxford United XI (H) D 1-1 (Cooke 57)

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2014

24 Jul Plymouth Argyle XI (H) W 5-1 (Hayles 6, Green 34, Duff 50, Vassell 53, Watson 88) Att. 328

2 Aug Yeovil Town (H) L 1-2 (Vassell 22) Att. 342

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2015

11 Mar Exeter City XI (H) D 2-2 Att. 64

17 Jul Yeovil Town (H) L 0-1 Att. 286

25 Jul Torquay United (H) L 0-1 Att. 497

29 Jul Plymouth Argyle XI (H) D 1-1 (Wright 12) Att. 431

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2016

19 Jul Plymouth Argyle (H) L 0-2 Att. 1,002

Team – Tom McHale (GK), Shane White, Arran Pugh, Aaron Bentley, Jamie Richards, Cody Cooke, River Allen, Ben Adelsbury, Ryan Brett, Rory Fallon, Niall Thompson

Subs Used – Jordan Kelly, Fletcher Williams, Charlie Hardcastle, Connor Rush, Les Afful

21 Jul Exeter City (H) L 1-2 (Crago 45) Att. 273

25 Jul Torquay United (H) L 2-3 (Thompson x2)

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2017

28 Jul Torquay United (A) L 0-6 Att. 712

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2018

12 Jul Exeter City (H) L 0-6 Att. 200

Team – Cory Harvey (GK),

15 Jul Cardiff City XI (H) L 0-2

Team – Cameron Atkinson (GK), Cameron Kelly, Alex Hartridge, Ed Palmer, Austen Booth, Billy Palfrey, Max Smallcombe, Joe Hunt, Lloyd Gardner, Louis Rooney, Jared Lewington

18 Jul Swansea City XI (H) D 1-1 (L. Rooney 42)

Team – Cameron Atkinson (GK), Alex Hartridge, Ed Palmer, Jamie Richards, Niall Thompson, Ben Harding, Austen Booth, Jordan Copp, Connor Riley-Lowe, Jared Lewington, Louis Rooney

Subs Used – Billy Palfrey, Chris Todd, Noah Keats, Hayden Turner, Lloyd Gardner, Joe Hunt, Max Smallcombe

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2019

Fri 5 Jul Exeter City (H) D 0-0 Att. 396

Team – Cory Harvey (GK), Niall Thompson, James Ward, Harlain Mbayo, Jamie Richards, Trialist, Noah Keats, Austen Booth, Trialist, Louis Rooney, Brandon Diau

Tue 9 Jul Plymouth Argyle (H) W 1-0 (L. Rooney 49) Att. 1,766

Team – Jordan Wright, James Ward, Harlain Mbayo, Jamie Richards, Moulaye Ndiake, Austen Booth, Rio Garside, Noah Keats, Jamil Roberts, Brandon Diau, James Lorenz

Subs Used – Niall Thompson, Louis Rooney, Max Gilbert, Callum McGhee, Tom Annear, Tallen Mitchell

It may only have been a pre-season friendly, but this was an excellent result for Truro City. Louis Rooney’s second-half strike sealed a 1-0 victory for the White Tigers against a Plymouth Argyle side three divisions above them. In isolation, you could say it was a bit of a freak result, but coupled with a 0-0 draw against Argyle’s rivals Exeter City – also three divisions above them – on Friday, you can hardly deny that it has been a superb start to pre-season for Truro. Those of an Argyle persuasion, who dominated the spectacular 1,766 crowd at Treyew Road on Tuesday night, may have left the ground thinking to themselves “Ah, it’s only pre-season, it doesn’t matter that much.” That may be true. It is, after all, only a pre-season friendly. It was also Ryan Lowe’s first match in charge and the first time the players have attempted to play under his style of play as they look to rebuild after a relegation season. But all of that is true of Truro. It was Paul Wotton’s second match in charge of the White Tigers as they look to rebuild after their own relegation last term. Much of Truro’s team is on a trial basis, too. One of them was Liskeard Athletic striker James Lorenz, who looked very promising in the first half as he harried the professional Argyle defenders and enjoyed a few shots on goal, including one effort that curled narrowly wide. Lorenz, who scored more than 50 goals in the South West Peninsula League Division 1 West for Liskeard, looks set to join Truro for the season ahead. Another trialist was goalkeeper Jordan Wright, formerly of Nottingham Forest, who had an excellent game between the sticks and kept the Plymouth attack quiet, as did his defence of Jamie Richards, Harlain Mbayo and James Ward, who looks just as assured as he did in his Falmouth Town days. Their hard work meant Truro had the better of the first half chances, which included a thunderous strike from distance by Noah Keats that was well saved by Michael Cooper, although Wright had to tip Joe Riley’s shot on to the crossbar just before the break. The second half saw an almost completely new Argyle side, as Lowe looked to give his entire squad a run-out in their first pre-season game. Wotton did not do the same, nor did he have the numbers to do so, but one of the half-time subs was ex-Argyle man Rooney, who capitalised on a mix-up between defender Scott Wootton and trialist goalkeeper Jordan Holmes to slot home from six yards and silence the Argyle fans. As expected, this woke the English Football League Two side up a bit and they began to trouble the home defence a bit more, with Calum Dyson, Alex Fletcher and Klaidi Lolos all getting shots away as the half wore on, but none could find a way past Wright. Truro made a few subs as energy levels began to drop, allowing Niall Thompson, Bodmin’s Max Gilbert and Ward’s former Falmouth team mate Tom Annear to enter the fray. After spending long periods of the game on top with their high pressing from the front, the tiring hosts began to drop back and soak up the mounting Plymouth pressure. They didn’t stop working, though, as Ward did well to clear one attack, before another white shirt managed a vital interception on Tafari Moore’s cross that seemed destined for Ryan Law to head home, while Annear threw himself in front of another dangerous ball from Moore. After around six minutes of added time, the final whistle blew. Truro had completed a victory that will offer little in terms of tangible reward, but it will do wonders to lift the mood around a club and fanbase that has had little to cheer in the last 12 months or so. The Packet

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2020

28 Aug Exeter City (A) L 2-3 (Harvey 35, 75)

Team – James Hamon (GK), Shane White, Ed Palmer, Niall Thompson, Jamie Richards, Ryan Dickson, Connor Riley-Lowe, Alex Battle, Tyler Harvey, Dan Rooney, Ryan Brett

Subs Used – Rio Garside, George Tucker, Kieran Rowe, Ben Musselwhite

This match was played behind closed doors

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2021

27 Jul Torquay United (A) L 0-3

Team – James Hamon (GK), Niall Thompson, Cheick Diabate, Jamie Richards, Shane White, Connor Riley-Lowe, Will Dean, Ryan Brett, Trialist, Dan Rooney, Andrew Neal

Subs Used – Rio Garside, George Tucker, Oscar Marks, Morgan Coxhead (GK)

3 Aug Exeter City (H) W 1-0 (Harvey 22)

Team – James Hamon (GK), Shane White, Cheick Diabate, Ed Palmer, Ryan Brett, Connor Riley-Lowe, Will Dean, Trialist, Dan Rooney, Andrew Neal, Tyler Harvey

Subs Used – Niall Thompson, Rio Garside

6 Aug Nottingham Forest XI (H) W 3-2 (OG 25, Thompson 49, Brett 62)

Team – James Hamon (GK), Niall Thompson, Connor Riley-Lowe, Ed Palmer, Shane White, Cheick Diabate, Rio Garside, Will Dean, Tyler Harvey, Dan Rooney, Ryan Brett

Subs Used – Ellis Johnson, Morgan Coxhead (GK)

This match was played at St Blazey

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2022

12 Jul Exeter City (A) L 0-3

Team – Morgan Coxhead (GK), Kyle Egan, Connor Riley-Lowe, Shane White, Jack Rice, Will Dean, Tyler Harvey, Dan Sullivan, Ollie Knowles, Jacob Grange, Andrew Neal

Subs Used – George Newton, Jamie Edlin, Teddy Horton, K Rowe

This match was played behind closed doors

26 Jul Plymouth Argyle (H) C-C

This match was cancelled by Plymouth Argyle

30 Jul Torquay United (H) L 1-3 (Harvey)

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2024

Tue 9 Jul Torpoint Athletic (A) W 6-0 (Neal 1 pen, 31, 44 pen, Law 4, Dean 39, Trialist D 56)

Team – Dan Lavercombe (GK), Trialist A, Sam Sanders, Tom Harrison, Ryan Law, Trialist B, Trialist C, Will Dean, Billy Palfrey, Andrew Neal, Dominic Johnson-Fisher

Subs Used – Morgan Jones (GK), Ben Adelsbury, Fabby, Connor Riley-Lowe, Teddy Horton, Dan Rooney, Trialist D, Trialist E, Tyler Harvey

Fri 12 Jul Willand Rovers (A) W 4-1 (Palfrey 44, Harvey 50, 85, D. Rooney 64)

Team – Dan Lavercombe (GK), Trialist A, Sam Sanders, Tom Harrison, Ryan Law, Trialist B, Trialist C, Will Dean, Billy Palfrey, Dominic Johnson-Fisher, Trialist D

Subs Used – Morgan Jones (GK), Trialist E, Fabby, Connor Riley-Lowe, Dan Rooney, Tyler Harvey, Andrew Neal

Sat 20 Jul Tavistock (A) P-P

This match was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch

Fri 26 Jul Tiverton Town (A) W 3-0 (Dean, Johnson-Fisher, Trialist C)

Team – Dan Lavercombe (GK), Ben Adelsbury, Tom Harrison, Sam Sanders, Trialist A, Will Dean, Seidou Sanogo, Billy Palfrey, Tyler Harvey, Dominic Johnson-Fisher

Subs Used – M. Jones (GK), Royes, Trialist B, Burt, Yassine En-Neyah, Higgins, Trialist C

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2025

Fri 11 Jul Tavistock (A)

Wed 16 Jul Plymouth Argyle (H)

Fri 25 Jul Tiverton Town (A)

Sat 2 Aug Plymouth Parkway (A)

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