A much better performance leaves hope for the future

It may have been another home defeat, but it was a much better performance which left manager Steve Massey looking at the amount of positives that he was taking out of the game, leaving him to suggest that “We look like, and the players feel too, that we are developing into a side.”

With the news that Paul Kendall and Les Afful were stranded en-route with car problems, the pre-match build-up had to be re-organised.

The eventual eleven that started saw two changes from Saturday with back from suspension Jamie Lowry and Jordan Copp in; while Cody Cooke returned to the right-back position with Dan Evans going inside to partner recent central defender signing Arran Pugh.

The other signing from last week, Ben Watson, continued as the lone striker with Matt Andrew and Neil Slateford looking to get upfront alongside him as much as possible when going forward.

And for most of the first half the plan worked, with Massey agreeing:”I thought, particularly in the first half we looked a decent side. Just as good as they were and they’re a good side.”

As early as the 8th minute Slateford worked himself into a good position only to fail to get much power into a close range left-footed effort. Andrew had a shot deflected off for a corner while Watson worked hard trying to make an opening for himself.

Ollie Chenoweth came to the rescue on the half hour when a Jon Davies half-volley was blasted against the home ‘keeper but three minutes later the visitors went in front when right back Marvin Brooks headed home and yet again the team seemed to switch off from a set piece.

As the half-time break beckoned Lowry came more into the match going close with shots either side of Nick Hutchings goal.

The second half didn’t quite go so well for City however and when on the hour Poole’s top scorer Richard Gillespie made it 2-0, turning in a cheeky back heel from skipper Dan Cann, it was always going to be a hard game to get back into against a good side. As Mass agreed: “Poole are a top side. The difference was they delivered some superb set pieces. Our’s were not as we would have liked them to be!”

However the gaffer was still positive after the match confirming his beliefs :””It was a stronger performance. We looked a much more solid side and deserved more. We have to keep the belief. We’re building a side. It is not doom and gloom, I am still very motivated and quite excited at what is coming and how the team is developing. There will be additions and I’m going to get it right. We’ve been playing a few square pegs in round holes and certainly in a couple of areas we’ve been asking players to perform where they wouldn’t normally.”

For those wondering where some of the management team were tonight, Kirky tried his best to get back on time from his Police side’s game, a team he manages and who were successful in their cup tie in Keynsham.
While we’re not now likely to see so much of Fitness and Strengthening Coach, Charlie Legg, due to an increased workload which means he might find it difficult to be present, however the club will consult him as and when necessary.

Truro: O Chenoweth, C Cooke, S White (P Kendall 84), D Evans, A Pugh, J Broad (O Brokenshire 86), N Slateford (L Afful 59), J Lowry, B Watson, M Andrew, J Copp. Subs (not used): J Sims, L Eddy.

Poole: N Hutching, M Brooks, W SpetchL W Cummings, J Whisken, C Pettefer, J Davies (J Dickson 90+3), S Devlin, R Gillespie (W Byerley 69), C Preston (E Elliott 90+2). Sub (not used): D Thomas.