MATCH REPORT - Truro City 2 Hemel Hempstead Town 1 - 22/04/2017

It was a tense and edgy start to the game, which was made worse when the visitors were awarded a penalty, which Ben Greenhalgh converted to give his side the lead.
But we refused to let our heads drop and six minutes later we were back on level terms when Rocky Neal did well to set up Niall Thompson who stayed cool to find the net.
The goal gave us the shot in the arm that we needed and Cody Cooke went close to giving us the lead on 39 minutes.
It was Truro City who were asking all of the questions as the opening period neared its conclusion and we were able to take the lead when some good work on the left saw the ball played into Neal who set himself up for a strike that flew beyond the reach of the ‘keeper.
The goal was Neal’s 18th of the season and it sent us in at the interval in good heart.
There was a really positive start to the second period from Lee Hodges’ side as firstly the lively Neal rattled the woodwork and then Thompson was brought down inside the area as he caused problems, but no penalty was given.
It was a performance full of determination and endeavour from City and our cause was helped when the opposition had a player sent off for hauling down Neal as he looked to break away.
Despite performing well, it was certainly a nervy ending to the game as we only held a single-goal advantage.
Thompson had a chance to settle the nerves on 86 minutes as he burst through but the ‘keeper was alert to clear the danger.
Then shortly afterwards Thompson went close again under pressure but the ball landed just wide but it mattered not as the full-time whistle signalled celebrations as it was confirmed that our National League South status has been confirmed.
It’s been a big effort from all concerned.

TRURO CITY: McHale, Bentley, Hartridge, Allen, Pugh, Richards, Adelsbury, Cooke, Neal, Thompson. Brett. Subs not used: Afful, Todd, Smith, Yetton, Harvey.

Bookings: Allen, Adelsbury, Cooke

ATTENDANCE: 431.